Montreal residents are advised to prepare for a blustery and potentially disruptive Friday as powerful winds sweep across the region, already causing widespread power failures. Environment Canada has issued a stern warning, forecasting damaging gusts that could significantly impact the city and surrounding areas.
Wind Warning and Immediate Impacts
Environment Canada triggered a code yellow wind warning for the Montreal area at 4:39 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025. The federal weather agency predicts wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour, expected to intensify throughout the afternoon and into the evening. The warning, which also extends to the Drummondville and Bois-Francs regions, cautions residents about the high probability of utility outages and advises securing any loose objects on their properties.
The forecast proved accurate early in the day, as Hydro-Québec's outage map showed significant disruption. By approximately 9:30 a.m., more than 6,000 customers on the island of Montreal were without electricity. The situation was more severe in the Montérégie region, where over 10,000 clients experienced power loss. The utility reported that these outages were scattered across numerous small, localized incidents, with many hoped to be resolved before noon.
Disruptions to Travel and Daily Life
The strong winds and preceding rainfall are creating challenges across the metropolitan area. While Friday morning traffic was reported to be relatively light, some roads were slowed due to water accumulation. The timing is particularly inconvenient for many, as Friday marks the start of the final weekend for Christmas shopping, prompting officials to suggest residents reconsider their plans and exercise caution.
Air travel is also under a watchful eye. Although operations at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport were normal in the morning, authorities recommend that passengers with flights scheduled for later in the day confirm their flight status before heading to the airport, anticipating potential delays or cancellations due to the deteriorating conditions.
Safety Recommendations and Outlook
In light of the severe weather warning, safety is paramount. Environment Canada and local authorities urge the public to take proactive steps. These include avoiding parking vehicles under trees with large, overhanging branches, which could break under the force of the wind. Residents should also ensure patio furniture, garbage bins, and holiday decorations are securely fastened or brought indoors.
The combination of saturated ground from recent precipitation and the forecasted high winds increases the risk of falling trees and branches, which is the primary cause of the widespread power outages. Hydro-Québec crews are actively responding to the hundreds of individual incidents, prioritizing repairs to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. The situation remains fluid, and residents are encouraged to monitor official updates from Environment Canada and their local utility provider throughout the day.
