Warmer temperatures, heavy rainfall this week prompt concerns about flooding

Southern Quebec is inching closer and closer to spring, as significantly warmer weather is in the forecastfor the rest of the month but with it comes heavy rainthis week.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the southern parts of the province, including Montreal, the Laurentians and the Quebec City area, warning of potential flooding and fog.

From Monday to Wednesday, those regions will see a warm front, withtemperatures hovering between 4 C and 11C.

Residents can expect between 20 and 30 millimetres of rain during that time, according to the weather agency.

800 sandbags in Dorval

After many homeowners in Montreal's West Islandgot flooded last spring, the City ofDorvalsays it's taking precautions to ease people's minds over the coming days.

It has 800 sandbags available. Residents cancall 514-633-4046 to request them.

"Last year, at peak time, we had 500 sandbags. So we have 300 more than we had last spring," said Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau. "We're ready to supply bags to anybody who needs some."

Those who are more at risk are homeowners with an inclined driveway.

Dorval has about 120 blue-collar workers patrolling the area until the rain stops, but Rouleau says the risk of flooding is low.

"The lake can take it right now, but we're monitoring it," Rouleau said. "We wanted to be proactive. We don't want our citizens to suffer again."

Icebreakers and freezing rain

The rain isn't the only sign spring is on its way. The Canadian Coast Guard advised residents living near the St. Lawrence River that ice-breaking activitiesbetween the municipality ofSaint-Pierre-les-Becquets andSorel startMonday.

In Quebec City, thatrain could turn to freezing rain on Tuesday, Environment Canada says. There might also be reduced visibility due to mist or fog.

"The rain combined with the runoff from the melting of snow could cause localized flooding," Environment Canada said.

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