OTTAWA – Over 800 Power Poles were snapped and over half a million people at the height of the storm aftermath were left without power.
Winds were hurricane strength at the peak of the storm.
In the first 24 hours after destructive thunderstorms passed through the province, Hydro One crews have restored power to more than 360,000 customers, with over 226,000 customers that remain without power.
Damage includes at least 800 broken poles, and just as many downed power lines, along with countless trees and large branches causing power outages. In the Ottawa area, four transmission towers were toppled by the storm.
Hydro One crews are building a temporary by-pass to restore power.
Hydro One is mobilizing crews from other parts of the province along with employees from other utilities and contractors to descend on the hardest hit areas of central and eastern Ontario to assist with restoration efforts. Restoration efforts are expected to continue for several days before power is restored to all customers.
“Our hearts go out to all of our customers whose homes have sustained significant damage along with those who remain without power,” said Jason Fitzsimmons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Customer Care Officer. “We continue to remain focused on restoring power to customers as quickly as possible. As crews continue to work through the storm’s aftermath, we ask customers and the public to stay away from downed powerlines.”
