A severe windstorm tore through Montreal on Friday, December 19, 2025, leaving a trail of damage and triggering massive power failures across the region. The intense weather event resulted in nearly 93,500 private addresses in Quebec losing electricity, with the island of Montreal bearing the brunt of the disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Major Outages
The powerful gusts, which swept across the city throughout the day, caused significant damage to infrastructure. Downed trees and power lines were reported in numerous neighborhoods, creating hazardous conditions and blocking roads. Utility crews from Hydro-Québec were immediately dispatched to assess the damage and begin the complex restoration process, but officials warned that some customers could face extended periods without power.
The scale of the outage, affecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses, underscores the storm's ferocity. Emergency services were kept busy responding to calls related to the fallout from the high winds, though no major injuries were immediately reported in connection with the storm itself in Montreal.
Restoration Efforts and Safety Advisories
Authorities urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly around any fallen wires, which should always be treated as live and dangerous. The public was advised to report outages and downed lines directly to Hydro-Québec and to avoid any contact with electrical equipment.
For those without heat or light, the city reminded citizens of available warming centers and to check on vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and the vulnerability of urban power grids to such disruptions.
A Broader Context of Extreme Weather
This major wind event in Quebec coincides with a week of significant weather warnings across Canada. From slick road conditions in Ottawa to landslide risks in British Columbia, the end of 2025 has been marked by a series of environmental challenges. The Montreal storm highlights the ongoing need for resilient infrastructure and prepared emergency response plans in major Canadian cities facing volatile weather patterns.
As clean-up operations continue, residents are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates on restoration times and further safety instructions.
