Possible tornado causes ‘significant’ damage in Quebec’s Laurentians

A possible tornado has caused "significant" damage in the Laurentians region, north of Montreal, Quebec, after a powerful storm swept through on Tuesday afternoon. Environment Canada is currently investigating the incident, with meteorologist Dominic Martel stating he is "pretty certain" the storm involved a tornado.

A tornado warning was issued for southwestern Quebec around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and was lifted two hours later. The storm's path of rotation, detected on Environment Canada's radars, aligns with reported power outages affecting hundreds of Hydro-Québec customers in the area. As of Wednesday morning, many remained without electricity.

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an investigation is underway but he is “pretty certain” the storm consisted of a tornado.

The Northern Tornado Project, which collaborates with Environment Canada to analyze damage and confirm tornado activity, has dispatched investigators to the region. They are expected to assess the reported "significant tree damage" in the affected area. The project collects and analyzes damage information to provide preliminary assessments that can confirm tornado occurrences.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and has left residents assessing the aftermath. The investigation is ongoing to definitively confirm the presence and intensity of a tornado.

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Significant tree damage has been reported in that area.