Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for the area around the Quebec towns of Val d’Or and Louvicourt, about 500 kilometres northwest of Montreal.
The warning extends to the area around La Vérendrye wildlife reserve.
Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado, the weather service says on its website.
Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible, it says.
Doppler radar indicates a potential tornado over southern Abitibi, about 20 kilometres southwest of Lac-Simon. This storm is charging east at about 50 km/h, Environment Canada says.
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” it says.
If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately, the weather service says.
“Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet,” it says.
“Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.”