Tornado watches in effect in several Quebec regions

In the wake of the major wind and thunderstorms that battered Quebec and Ontario on Saturday night, a tornado watch has been issued in the province's Eastern Townships and other regions.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said at 2 p.m. on Sunday that conditions are favourable for a major storm in the afternoon and evening in the Sherbrooke, Beauce and Mont-Orford-Lake Memphremagog areas.

"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," Environment Canada wrote. "Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches."

ECCC advises to do the following in the event of a tornado:

• Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
• Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelters, and move to a strong building if you can.
• As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.

A watch is one step lower than a weather warning, which has not been issued.

There remains Quebec severe thunderstorm watches in effect in Amqui-Matapedia Valley, Drummondville, Kamouraska-Riviere-du-Loup-Trois-Pistoles, Quebec City, Richelieu Valley-Saint-Hyacinthe, Rimouski-Mont-Joli, Temiscouata and Vaudreuil-Soulanges-Huntingdon.

There is a chance of thundershowers in Montreal Sunday night, but no watches or alerts are in effect on the island.