Major flooding, debris in Que.'s Magdalen Islands as Fiona slams Maritimes
Municipal roads are closed on Quebec's Magdalen Islands and residents are ordered to stay inside as the region battles the effects of Fiona.
The post-tropical storm made landfall in Atlantic Canada early Saturday morning and is also impacting eastern Quebec.
"There are many obstacles on the road. There are trees. There are rocks. There are materials that have blown off. There are overflows, floods. That's why we're asking you to avoid using the road this morning. We ask you to avoid all travel," said Richard Leblanc, deputy mayor of the Magdalen Islands, speaking at a press conference.
A hurricane warning was in effect for the islands, with wind gusts of up to 119 km/h recorded in the morning by Environment Canada. Waves along the coast could reach up to eight metres high.
"High waves combined with the surge may cause damage along the coast. Coastal erosion is possible in vulnerable areas. Stay away from affected shorelines," reads a notice from the agency.
Winds are expected to weaken throughout the day. Nevertheless, the mayor reminded citizens that the storm is not over.
Leblanc confirmed Saturday morning that at least 22 people had been evacuated.
POWER OUTAGES COULD AFFECT WATER SUPPLY
Over 5,000 Hydro Quebec customers were without power in the Gaspé and Magdalen Islands regions early Saturday afternoon.
Hydro Quebec teams were deployed to the region to "respond to emergency calls in order to secure the premises," according to a Tweet from the hydroelectricity company.
An afternoon lull in strong winds allowed repairs to be made and power restored in some areas.
As a result of the power interruptions, residents have been asked to limit their drinking water consumption.
"Power outages are not allowing us to pump as much water as usual," said Leblanc.
"It's better to save now just in case."
GOVERNMENT PROMISES MONETARY AID
Quebec Premier Francois Legault said Saturday that the government will provide financial compensation for islanders who have suffered property losses not covered by insurance.
He was accompanied at a Saturday press conference by Public Safety Minister Geneviève Guilbault.
Conditions permitting, Guilbaut will travel to the Magdalen Islands on Sunday.
CTV News has developed a live tracker of Hurricane Fiona.
The premier and Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) leader also announced he would resume his campaign activities Saturday afternoon after pausing them in light of the storm.
Legault is scheduled to make a stop in the Taschereau riding of Quebec City.
With files from The Canadian Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Most of the city is evacuating': Gridlock on Alberta highway after evacuation order in Fort McMurray
Four Fort McMurray neighbourhoods were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire gets closer to the city.
Sask. police seize 1.5M pieces of evidence, lay 60 more charges in child exploitation case
Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed that a historic sexual assault investigation has led to the discovery of alleged crimes against children dating back to 2005.
'Inappropriate' behaviour shuts down Dublin to New York City portal
Less than a week after two public sculptures featuring a livestream between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City debuted, 'inappropriate behaviour' in real-time interactions between people in the two cities has prompted a temporary shutdown.
Oilers starting Calvin Pickard in goal for Game 4 vs. Canucks
The Edmonton Oilers will start Calvin Pickard in net Tuesday for Game 4 of their playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker rails against Pride month, working women in commencement speech
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker railed against Pride month, working women, President Biden's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and abortion during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend.
King Charles III unveils his first official portrait since his coronation
King Charles III has unveiled the first portrait of the monarch completed since he assumed the throne, a vivid image that depicts him in the bright red uniform of the Welsh Guards against a background of similar hues.
Full List Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Alberta announces the 4 health agencies that will replace AHS later this year
The province has released more information on its plan to break up Alberta Health Services and replace it with four sector-based health agencies.
Biden administration moving ahead on US$1 billion arms package for Israel, AP sources say
The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a new package of more than US$1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, two congressional aides said Tuesday.