Storm surge warning for Gaspé, Percé on Sunday

Environment Canada has issued a storm surge warning for parts of Gaspé and Percé, Que., where coastal flooding is likely early Sunday afternoon.

The yellow warning covers the coastline of Percé and the shoreline from Grand-Étang to Forillon National Park. The weather office said a combination of moderate to strong northeasterly winds, a moderate surge set-up and a medium tidal range is likely to cause minor breaking sea conditions along the coast in the first half of Sunday afternoon.

“Coastal flooding is likely along the shoreline,” Environment Canada said. Coastal erosion is possible in vulnerable areas. The agency issues the warning when high water levels pose a threat to coastal regions because of tides, storm surge or waves.

Inland, a yellow freezing rain warning is in effect for Gaspésie National Park and Murdochville from late this afternoon until early Sunday morning. Environment Canada expects two to four millimetres of freezing rain, with higher amounts possible at higher elevations, before temperatures rise slightly at the end of the night and the freezing rain changes to rain. Roads and walkways will likely become icy and slippery.

Residents of the Gaspé Peninsula should stay away from the shoreline during the high-water period and avoid unnecessary travel on icy roads tonight. Quebec residents can report severe weather to [email protected] or on social media with #QCStorm.

The Gaspé coast has seen several wintry alerts in recent days. We reported on the earlier freezing rain warning for Baie-Comeau and Highway 138, and the same storm system is bringing wind and rain to the Maritimes, as in our report on the rainfall warning for Halifax. Our winter storm prep checklist lists what to do before severe weather arrives. Current alerts are posted on the Environment Canada website.

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