Heavy rain and thunderstorms swept the Montreal region on June 17, 2026, triggering a series of electrical failures that temporarily shut down Montreal‑Trudeau Airport and interrupted service on a segment of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM). The weather system produced intense precipitation that overwhelmed local power infrastructure, leading to widespread outages across the city.
At the airport, the loss of electricity forced a suspension of ground operations. Aircraft handling, lighting, and other essential services were halted until power could be restored. The interruption affected flights scheduled for the day, with airlines pausing departures and arrivals while crews addressed the lack of power. Airport officials worked to resume normal operations as soon as the electrical supply was reestablished later in the afternoon.
Similarly, a portion of the REM network experienced a shutdown as the same power disruptions impacted the line’s electrical systems. Trains on the affected segment were stopped, and passengers were advised to seek alternative transportation. Service on the remainder of the REM remained operational, but the interruption highlighted the vulnerability of the transit system to extreme weather events.
Power was gradually restored across the affected zones, allowing both the airport and the REM segment to resume normal service before the end of the day. City officials noted that the incident was part of a broader pattern of electrical disturbances that the storm caused throughout Montreal, affecting homes, businesses, and other public services. The event underscores the challenges faced by urban infrastructure when confronted with severe weather, prompting ongoing assessments of system resilience.
The restoration of electricity and transportation services marked the conclusion of the day's disruptions, with normal flight schedules and REM operations returning to regular cadence as the rain subsided and the storm moved out of the area.