Ontario’s provincial utility reports that power has been restored to over half a million customers four days after an ice storm hit the region, but some areas that were severely affected may be without power until the end of the week.
Hydro One states that as of Tuesday morning, more than 280,000 homes and businesses still lack electricity. Officials believe repairs in the hardest-hit areas, such as Orillia and Peterborough, could take until Friday.
The storm began on Friday night, coating roads and other surfaces with ice and creating hazardous driving conditions while damaging trees. Most city facilities and all parks are closed until further notice due to fallen trees and unstable branches.
The number of outages increased on Sunday because of an issue with Hydro One’s outage map, which led to previously unaccounted outages being added to the total.
Environment and Climate Change Canada identifies Barrie, Orillia, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, and Kingston as the areas most impacted by the ice storm. Lindsay experienced 25 millimeters of ice buildup; Peterborough had 20 millimeters; Orillia saw 19 millimeters; and Barrie received 15 millimeters.
Trees and tree branches weighed down by ice have snapped off and fallen in this maple bush in the Orillia area following the ice storm over the weekend. (Submitted by Edith George)
The federal weather agency mentioned that freezing rain warnings for regions affected during the weekend are expected to ease Monday morning but cautioned that the system is moving eastward.
As of Monday morning, Quebec, New Brunswick, parts of northern Nova Scotia’s mainland, and Prince Edward Island are under freezing rain warnings.
Kristina Kretchman, a meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, noted that damage from the ice storm was significant.
“There have been many reports of trees down, branches down; unfortunately some have hit infrastructure like houses or power poles,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Hydro One will assess damage before determining when power can be restored for each outage. Kaitlyn Forde, a spokesperson for the provincial utility said this on Sunday.
Forde also advised customers to check Hydro One’s online outage map for updated information.
“We’re experiencing outages mainly due to tree limbs and branches being weighed down from freezing rain accumulation. This accumulation affects many branches that come into contact with our power lines causing outages,” she explained.
Crew members are working hard to restore power in the most affected regions while teams from other areas are coming in to help out too,” Forde noted.
Premier Doug Ford announced on Sunday evening via X that Ontario Corps is sending personnel and equipment to support communities affected by this storm.
“The province is actively collaborating with communities impacted by last weekend’s ice storm to ensure safety measures are taken while restoring power quickly,” Ford mentioned.
Hydro crews along with local authorities are working around-the-clock efforts alongside Ontario Corps…-@fordnation
This severe weather has led several municipalities to declare a state of emergency as they deal with widespread outages caused by downed trees along with dangerous road conditions.
The City of Peterborough declared a state of emergency on Sunday opening four reception centers-two operating overnight-for residents who need assistance. Residents are advised against unnecessary travel.
“Ice accumulation is knocking down power lines along with trees causing unsafe situations,” said officials from the city.
The Township of Oro-Medonte similarly declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon regarding “escalating impacts” resulting from this storm according to their website notice.
All township roads remain closed due to fallen trees debris along with damaged power lines according to the notice.
A state of emergency was enacted for Muskoka District just before 5 p. m. on Sunday after extended periods of freezing rain disrupted access to both roads and power across various localities within this area according to their municipality’s website notice![]()
Trees glistened after Saturday night’s icy spell emerged throughout Scarborough early into morning hours（Muriel Draaisma/CBC）
What We Know About The Ice Storm Impacting GTA This WeekendEnvironment Canada warned about an incoming messy system bringing potential hazards including freezing rains across greater Toronto Area! CBC Meteorologist Chris Potter details expectations based forecast provided ahead!Police department informed community via news release about busy Saturday night activities ramping calls owing icy scenarios encountered across central region yesterday.
“Pavement conditions remain treacherous leading numerous incidents involving injuries stemming largely throughout falling tree-related scenarios,” OPP commented further urging individuals avoid traveling unnecessarily whilst maintaining caution amidst ongoing threats posed daily.”P.
Flooding alerts likely remain prevalent notably concerning ongoing precarious nature surrounding wintery forecasts predictions potentially worsening climate factors thereafter impacting recovery timelines expected ensuing once work resumes. In terms resources available less-accessible zones shall experience delays since workers would require helicopter transportations meanwhile boats utilized only once unfavorable weather ceases entirely upon clearing paths back towards normalcy returning gradually more reliable electricity distributions subsequently thereafter concluding assessments carried thoroughly throughout entire province-wide coverage undertaken vigilantly going forward post-storm activity complete.
Source link
All township roads remain closed due to fallen trees debris along with damaged power lines according to the notice.
A state of emergency was enacted for Muskoka District just before 5 p. m. on Sunday after extended periods of freezing rain disrupted access to both roads and power across various localities within this area according to their municipality’s website notice
Keep Clear Of Fallen Power Lines: Hydro One Advises
Forde emphasized how important it is for everyone stay away from fallen trees along with any damaged lines reminding people Hydro One recommends remaining at least ten meters away from them. Any fallen lines should be reported immediately either through911or directly calling Hydro One at1-800-434-1235 If flooding occurs due excessive rainfall reaching electrical outlets or baseboard heaters/Furnaces within residences then residents should call Hydro one ensuring safe disconnection process takes place as well “Do not enter flooded areas until electrical service has been safely turned off,” she urged folks everywhere Soon after storms’ commencement over257000clients regained electrical services per reports shared earlier today stated Forde.“Pavement conditions remain treacherous leading numerous incidents involving injuries stemming largely throughout falling tree-related scenarios,” OPP commented further urging individuals avoid traveling unnecessarily whilst maintaining caution amidst ongoing threats posed daily.”P.
Flooding alerts likely remain prevalent notably concerning ongoing precarious nature surrounding wintery forecasts predictions potentially worsening climate factors thereafter impacting recovery timelines expected ensuing once work resumes. In terms resources available less-accessible zones shall experience delays since workers would require helicopter transportations meanwhile boats utilized only once unfavorable weather ceases entirely upon clearing paths back towards normalcy returning gradually more reliable electricity distributions subsequently thereafter concluding assessments carried thoroughly throughout entire province-wide coverage undertaken vigilantly going forward post-storm activity complete.
Source link
