3 Outaouais municipalities declare states of emergency

The western Quebec municipalitiesof Pontiac,Saint-Andr-Avellin and Val-des-Monts havedeclared states of emergency due torising waters on the Ottawa River.

The communitieswerehard hit by flooding in May 2017 and are warning that water levels could rise even higher this year.

• Ottawa River could hit 2017 flood levels this weekend, regulator warns
• Residents begin stocking up on sandbags as rain continues to fall

In Pontiac, water levels areexpected to peak Sunday, according to a statement from the municipality.

"This declaration allows us to respond quickly to the needs of our citizens. We have also requested emergency support from the province of Quebec." said Mayor Joanne Labadie in the statement.

The municipality isasking residents to follow directions and advice from police and first responders.

Sandbags available

Sandbags and sand are available to Pontiac residents at the town hallin Luskville, the public works garage in Quyon and at the Breckenridge Fire Hall.

In nearby Val-des-Monts, several roads in the north and south of the municipality have been closed to everyone except those who live on them.

Officials are warningroad conditions could change rapidly, and many roads are flooded but still passable.

Updates can be found on the municipality's Facebook page.