Montreal power outage cuts electricity to more than 30,000 amid severe storms
Severe storms trigger Montreal power outage affecting 30,000+ customers; Hydro-Québec crews work to restore service as Trudeau airport and REM face disruptions.
A severe weather event on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, caused a widespread Montreal power outage that left more than 30,000 Hydro‑Québec customers without electricity across Montreal, Laval and the Montérégie. Hydro‑Québec said lightning strikes tripped protection equipment on the distribution network in west Montreal, with the highest concentrations of outages reported on the island’s western edge. The outage coincided with operational disruptions at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport and an interruption on the REM light-rail service, complicating travel and commuter plans.
Lightning blamed for protection systems tripping on Hydro‑Québec network
Hydro‑Québec reported that lightning activity during intense thunderstorms activated protection devices on the utility’s distribution network in western Montreal.
The tripping of these devices is a standard safety response intended to isolate faults and protect infrastructure, the Crown corporation said in its status notices.
Teams were dispatched to assess damage and begin repairs, while Hydro‑Québec warned that ongoing storm activity could cause additional interruptions.
More than 30,000 customers affected across Montreal, Laval and Montérégie
At peak impact, Hydro‑Québec’s outage map showed over 30,000 customers without power concentrated in Montreal’s west end, including Baie‑d’Urfé, as well as pockets in Laval and the Montérégie region.
Local officials and the utility advised residents to prepare for prolonged outages in some areas, especially where crews must inspect and repair equipment damaged by lightning.
Residents were urged to follow Hydro‑Québec’s official communications and use the utility’s outage reporting tools to confirm restoration timelines.
Montréal–Trudeau reports temporary computer system failures and flight checks
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport said on its social channels that some airport computer systems were temporarily unavailable during the outage, affecting certain operations.
A spokesperson advised passengers to confirm the status of their flights with their carriers before travelling to the airport and to expect possible delays.
Airport teams worked with airlines and ground handlers to implement contingency procedures while power was being restored.
REM service interrupted between Bois‑Franc and Anse‑à‑l’Orme; partial restoration time announced
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) reported a service interruption in both directions between Bois‑Franc and Anse‑à‑l’Orme caused by the same electrical supply issue.
The REM’s communications indicated crews were monitoring the situation and set an initial target to resume service by 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, subject to safety checks.
Commuters were advised to seek alternate routes and to review REM updates before beginning their trips.
FAA notes suspensions of flights to Montreal as U.S. regulator cites storm conditions
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) posted notices indicating some flights to Montreal were suspended because of the storm conditions affecting the region.
The suspension reflected air-traffic and safety considerations as airports manage the operational impacts of localized outages and electrical disruptions.
Airlines operating to and from Montreal were coordinating with airport authorities and regulators to determine revised schedules and rebooked passengers as needed.
Environment Canada warns of ongoing severe thunderstorms and heavy precipitation
Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of southern Quebec, cautioning that ongoing storms could bring further lightning, heavy rain and wind gusts.
The weather agency’s alert highlighted the risk of additional infrastructure impacts, including renewed power outages and transportation interruptions.
Hydro‑Québec and municipal emergency services urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded areas and stay clear of downed power lines.
For residents and travelers, officials offered practical guidance to reduce risk and disruption during the Montreal power outage. Keep mobile devices charged when possible and have battery backups or flashlights ready, particularly if you rely on electrically powered medical devices. Report outages through Hydro‑Québec’s official channels and avoid approaching any downed or low-hanging wires, treating them as live and dangerous.
Airline passengers were told to contact carriers directly to confirm flight status and to allow extra time for airport procedures if systems are operating in contingency mode. REM and other transit users should consult transit operators for alternate routing and expected service resumption before travelling.
Hydro‑Québec emphasized that repair timelines depend on the extent of damage and the weather, and pledged to prioritize restoration while protecting crew safety. Officials noted that crews must complete inspections and sometimes replace damaged equipment before power can be safely reconnected to neighbourhoods.
Municipal emergency management teams continued to monitor the situation with Hydro‑Québec, Environment Canada and transportation operators, standing ready to provide support where outages intersect with critical services. As weather conditions evolve, authorities said they would issue further updates through official channels and urged residents and travellers to rely on verified communications for the latest information.
