Windstorms

Windstorms are often associated with atmospheric depressions or localized weather phenomena. In Quebec, windstorms are defined as disturbances that meet the following criteria:

• Sustained winds reaching or exceeding 60 km/h for at least 1 hour.
• Gusts reaching or exceeding 90 km/h.

Monitor the weather alerts and warnings applicable to your region.

Postpone outdoor activities and avoid non-essential travel in the event of a windstorm warning.

Subscribe to your municipality’s citizen alert services.

Know how to communicate during an emergency situation. Whether it be to issue a danger warning, reassure loved ones or post information on social media, every action taken during an emergency is significant.

Download official agency or organization applications to receive all of the necessary information concerning power outages, road closures or hazardous weather conditions.

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

Trim, cut and pick up all dead branches on your property. Should there be trees close to power lines on your property, contact Hydro-Québec or your local electricity utility company prior to taking on pruning works.

Carefully store and securely tie up any items that could be swept away in the event of strong winds (patio furniture, BBQ, garbage and recycling bins, parabolic antennae/dishes, etc.).

Prepare an easy-to-carry emergency kit (backpack, small bin or case) in the event that you need to leave your home quickly. See the Evacuate your home page to find out how to prepare for such an eventuality.

Take the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of your pets in the event of an evacuation (in French only).

Prepare for power outages. Charge your electronic devices (cell phones, laptops) and your electric vehicle, if applicable.

In the event of a windstorm warning, take shelter in a safe place.

Don’t seek refuge in these places, as they’re not safe shelters:

• Cars
• Sheds
• Mobile homes
• Buildings with large roofs, such as gymnasiums, churches, or barns, as their roofs may collapse

Keep pets indoors. Don’t put your safety at risk if a windstorm is imminent and you can’t find your pet.

Stay away from doors and windows.

Gather your family in a safe place, such as a basement or small interior room or space on the ground floor (bathroom, closet, hallway).

Avoid taking the elevator if you live in an apartment building or if, for example, you’re in an office tower or a hotel.

Leave your mobile home, as it could be swept away by the windstorm. Take refuge in a solid building nearby.

Take shelter in a building with a roof that’s solid enough to withstand the force of the wind.

If you’re in an open area and there’s no shelter nearby, take refuge in a ditch or a fold in the landscape. Lie face down on the ground and protect your head with your hands.

Stay away from trees, power poles, and other objects that could fall.

Protect yourself from objects that could be hurled by the wind.

Take special precautions if you live near a shoreline, as strong winds can create huge waves. See the Storm surges and Shoreline flooding page to find out how to prepare for such an eventuality.

Avoid driving during a windstorm. Find a safe place to stop, away from trees and power lines.

Avoid sheltering under a bridge, viaduct, or overpass, where the winds may be more intense.

If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help to arrive.

Make sure that your home is safe before you enter. If in doubt, consult a building professional.

If relevant, check the extent of any damages  (e.g., roof, building structure, electrical ground wires, debris due to the windstorm).

Clean up all of the debris, being particularly careful when near sharp objects such as sheet metal or glass.

Never approach a downed power line. Call  911 immediately. When a power line or electrical wire touches the ground, it is very probably “live”, as is the surrounding ground.

Prepare an inventory of all damages, including photos or videos. Your municipality, insurance company or the financial institution where you have your mortgage could ask you for this list. Keep all receipts and proofs of purchase, which will be helpful when you make claims with regard to damaged property.

Inform yourself of the actions necessary to carry out the clean-up of your house and yard.

Should major works be necessary before you can return home, secure the premises to keep curious or ill-intentioned persons at bay. This can be done by:

• locking the doors
• barricading the windows
• covering up all damaged sections

Experiencing a disaster can cause unusual physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. Pay attention to your reactions and those of your loved ones:

• anxiety, distress, or frequent crying
• a lack of interest or energy
• aggressiveness
• difficulty in concentrating or confusion
• increased alcohol or drug consumption

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

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

To obtain additional information on post-disaster reactions and the assistance available, please consult the Getting better following a disaster page.

Windstorms can cause considerable damage, such as uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure and buildings, debris hurled at a high speed, and power and telecommunications outages. In addition to property damage, they pose a risk to personal safety, possibly leading to serious injuries or even death.

Straight-line winds, also known as microbursts, downbursts, or derechos, can cause whirlwinds of dust and debris, often mistaken for tornadoes.