Violent thunderstorms and a tornado in southern Quebec have put two people in hospital.

A Montreal couple were struck by lightning Saturday while they huddled under a tree during a heavy downpour at about 7:45 p.m. ET.

The man went into cardiac arrest and remains in hospital, emergency services said. The woman, who is being treated for severe burns, has also not been released from hospital.

Meanwhile, a tornado touched down overnight in Saint Lazare, a town just west of Montreal, flipping patio furniture and damaging roofs.

Environment Canada confirmed Sunday that three homes were hit by the twister, which was rated F0.

The mild tornado produced winds reaching 120 kilometres and hour, spokeswoman Brigitte Bourque said.

With files from The Canadian Press