Environment Canada has confirmed the first tornado of 2026 in Quebec, touching down in the Montérégie region near Montreal. The tornado, classified as an EF0, occurred on Tuesday afternoon, leaving a path of damage approximately 5 kilometers long.
Details of the Tornado
The tornado touched down near the town of Saint-Chrysostome, about 60 kilometers southwest of Montreal, around 3:30 PM local time. It damaged several structures, including a barn and a shed, and uprooted numerous trees. No injuries were reported, and emergency services responded promptly.
This marks the earliest confirmed tornado in Quebec in the 2026 season, which typically peaks in June and July. Environment Canada meteorologists noted that warm, humid air combined with a cold front created unstable conditions favorable for tornado formation.
Community Response
Local officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any damage. The municipality of Saint-Chrysostome has activated its emergency operations center to assess the situation and coordinate cleanup efforts. Power outages were reported in some areas but were restored within a few hours.
Environment Canada continues to monitor weather conditions and advises residents to stay informed through official alerts.
