Environment Canada said that according to videos taken by people in the area, there was at least one tornado, but its intensity or path is not yet known.

A Red Cross spokesperson stated that an information kiosk will be set up at the community center at 2510 de Mascouche Boulevard, about 40 kilometers northeast of Montreal.

The spokesperson said that anyone who was displaced by the tornado could receive care from the organization, including food and accommodation, within the next 72 hours.

The National Weather Service issued a series of warnings on Monday afternoon to warn of the possibility of severe thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, lightning and even tornadoes in multiple areas. The warning covers the area from the southern shore of Montreal to the Quebec City area.

Environment Canada said that if severe weather is approaching, people should take shelter immediately.

“Remember, go indoors when thunder is roaring!” Environment Canada says on its website.

When the storm passed, many residents received alerts on their smartphones. Video taken in the area showed a wind funnel formed near houses and high-voltage power lines, raising debris.

Hugues Jobin was doing business when the tornado passed. He told Radio Canada that the building was damaged and tree branches were hit into the house, but the authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage.

“I’m sure this store will take off,” he said, but the tornado passed through at an angle and missed the building.

“I threw myself to the ground, I was scared to make sure I was safe.”

Simon Legault, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the agency is still collecting information about the Mascus tornado.

“Now, we can confirm that a tornado occurred there, but we cannot provide any details about the exact location of the damage and the length of the track or something similar,” he said.

“So the speed of the wind, we don’t know now, but from what we have seen in these videos, flying debris must be a clear sign of a tornado.”