Officials Warn of Extended Power Outages Following Spring Storm

Authorities in southern Ontario are bracing for prolonged power outages that could last well into next week after a devastating spring storm wreaked havoc across the region. Provincial utility provider Hydro One has reported that approximately 102,000 customers are still without power as of Saturday morning, with a dedicated team of 4,000 crew members working tirelessly to restore electricity. Among the affected properties, nearly 31,000 are secondary residences like cottages and trailers, amplifying the impact of the outages.

The recent ice storm inflicted severe damage in cities such as Orillia, prompting the local government to convert its recreation center into a relief station where residents can access essential supplies and charge their electronic devices. Adding to the challenge, another storm system swept through the province earlier this week, causing additional outages and further complicating the restoration efforts. The forecast for Saturday predicts more rain, which could impede the progress of the restoration work, according to Hydro One.

Hydro One has indicated that the restoration process is anticipated to extend throughout the week, particularly in rural areas where the damage is more extensive. In some regions, the destruction is so severe that crews are having to reconstruct entire sections of the local distribution grid to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of power. Premier Doug Ford has acknowledged the magnitude of the crisis and revealed that crews from various parts of Canada have been deployed to Ontario to collaborate with provincial teams in expediting the restoration of power to affected communities.