Storm surges and Shoreline flooding

Storm surges, also known as “wave surges,” occur when wind and atmospheric pressure push water toward the coast, causing an abnormal rise in sea level and large waves. These phenomena can lead to flooding in coastal areas and accelerate shoreline erosion, thereby contributing to coastal retreat and the lowering of beaches.

Communities in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord, and Gaspésie regions, as well as those on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, are particularly vulnerable to these hazards and must prepare for them.

Preparing for a storm surge

Be ready to act quickly by having an up-to-date family emergency plan and a home emergency kit. 

If you live along the river

• Check the tide table for your region.
• Pay attention to weather alerts and warnings issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Subscribe to alerts and official accounts

Sign up for the citizen alert service and follow your municipality’s and Urgence Québec’s social media pages (Facebookand Instagram) for up-to-date information on evacuation orders, safety guidelines, and available services.

Download the apps from official organizations to receive all the information you need in the event of a storm surge, road closure, or power outage.

Protect your home and belongings during a storm surge

Protect windows facing the river with wooden boards.

Store items from the basement or ground floor in high places, or move them to an upper floor.

Store chemicals (e.g., insecticides, used oil) in a safe place out of children’s reach.

Remove bulky objects from your property or secure them to the ground to prevent them from being thrown about or swept away by the water and posing a hazard.

If water threatens to enter your home, turn off the electricity and shut off the gas to prevent any risk of electrocution or fire.

Close the valves on propane tanks and reservoirs, as well as the valve at the outlet of the heating oil tank. Have a specialist inspect the tank for damage before turning it back on.

Protecting your health and ensuring your safety during a storm surge

Check official information sources, such as your municipality’s digital platforms and Urgence Québec, to stay informed about the current situation, the guidelines in effect, and the services available.

Stay indoors. If you are outdoors, stay away from the shoreline, docks, marinas, and other coastal structures.

Do not attempt to retrieve objects carried away by waves or currents, as you may be swept away yourself.

If your home or property is flooded, see the steps to take in case of flooding.

If you are in danger or if authorities instruct you to do so, leave your home. If you don’t know where to go, contact your municipality. For more details, visit the Evacuating your home page.

Before hitting the road, check road conditions by visiting the Québec 511 website or calling 511.

Avoid travelling on foot or by vehicle on flooded roads. If you must use a vehicle, drive carefully and do not hesitate to abandon it if the engine stalls.

Return home and assess the damage

If authorities allow it and your safety is not at risk, you may return home. Do so during daylight hours, as it will be easier to identify problems and hazards.

If your home has been flooded or damaged, contact your municipality promptly to register as a disaster victim.

Check the actions to take after a flood.

Compile an inventory of the damage, supported by photos or videos. Upon request, you may need to provide this inventory to your municipality, your insurance company, and the financial institution that granted you a mortgage.

Review the list of eligible claims (in French only) and the financial assistance and compensation program.

Get psychosocial support

Experiencing a disaster such as a flood can trigger unusual physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. Pay attention to your own reactions and those of your loved ones, such as

• anxiety, distress, or frequent crying.
• lack of interest or energy.
• aggression.
• difficulty concentrating or confusion.
• increased alcohol or drug use.

Psychosocial support is available to you. This service is free and confidential.

Help your children feel safe by taking simple, comforting actions.

For more information on possible reactions following a disaster and ways to mitigate them, visit the page Getting better following a disaster.