The Weather Network

One of Quebec's worst tornadoes tore through Drummondville — displaced hundreds

Randi MannDigital Reporter
Published on Jul. 6, 2021, 8:35 AM
Updated on Jul. 6, 2023, 8:30 AM

On this day in weather history, a tornado hit Quebec.

This Day In Weather History is a daily podcast by Chris Mei from The Weather Network, featuring stories about people, communities and events and how weather impacted them.

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On Tuesday, July 6, 1999, a tornado hit three towns in Quebec. It hit Berthierville, Yamaska and Drummondville.

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The tornado destroyed homes, leaving 200 people in need of temporary shelter.

Courtesy TWN

Courtesy of TWN

Drummondville, which is around 100 km northeast of Montreal, was hit the hardest; around 40 homes and 30 cars were damaged. The twister ripped roofs from buildings and knocked down hydro and phone poles. 4,000 people were without power.

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The tornado caused around $4 million in damage. The Quebec government assisted those without insurance.

Courtesy of TWN

Courtesy of TWN

There was one reported death. A boy was camping in Drummondville when a tree collapsed on the tent and killed him. Four people were treated for injuries.

On average, Quebec gets six tornadoes each year, usually between June and August.

*Courtesy of TWN

Courtesy of TWN

Since 1971, Quebec's most deadly tornado hit Laval's Sainte-Rose on June 14, 1982. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, five people died and 26 were injured.

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To learn more about the Drummondville tornado, listen to "This Day Of Weather History."

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Thumbnail: Courtesy of TWN