WEATHER ALERT: A powerful freezing rain system has battered large parts of Central Ontario since Friday, prompting multiple states of emergency and extensive efforts by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Hydro One, and local municipalities to restore safety and services.
The storm, which began March 29 and continued into Saturday, has left a trail of downed power lines, fallen trees, and hazardous road conditions across the region. The City of Orillia, City of Peterborough, District of Muskoka, and Township of Oro-Medonte have all officially declared states of emergency.
As the storm pushes east and weather warnings remain in effect across much of the province, residents in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario are advised to monitor updates closely, especially with rising wind gusts forecast and potential for local infrastructure impacts.
Central Ontario Hit Hard by Freezing Rain
The OPP reports a significant increase in calls for service as heavy ice accumulation continues to compromise trees, hydro lines, and roadways. Crews remain active throughout the weekend responding to incidents and attempting to restore power to thousands of affected residents.
Emergency warming centres have been opened to assist those without electricity and heat:
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City of Orillia: Orillia Recreation Facility
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Tay Township: Municipal Office
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City of Peterborough: Multiple warming centres (full list at peterborough.ca/StormUpdate)
Regional Contacts and Updates
For real-time updates and community resources, follow your local municipality and Hydro One:
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Orillia: @cityoforillia | www.orillia.ca
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Peterborough: @CityPtbo | peterborough.ca/StormUpdate
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Muskoka: @DistrictMuskoka | muskoka.on.ca
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Oro-Medonte: @TwpOroMedonte | oro-medonte.ca
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Hydro One: @HydroOne | hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety
Safety First: Avoid Roads, Stay Inside
The storm has already caused serious injuries from falling trees and debris. With wind gusts expected to exceed 50 km/h, conditions may become even more dangerous overnight.
Public Safety Tips:
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Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary.
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Do not approach downed power lines—contact Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235 for non-life-threatening reports.
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Call 911 only for emergencies to keep lines open for critical cases.
What It Means for Thunder Bay
While Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario are not currently under the same level of storm impact, travellers, truckers, and those with family or property in the affected regions should stay alert.
Delays in provincial services, power restoration crews, and infrastructure support may have domino effects across Ontario.
Thunder Bay residents are encouraged to prepare for any sudden weather shifts and ensure their emergency kits are stocked in case local conditions worsen.
Stay Connected, Stay Safe
This ongoing storm event underscores the importance of community readiness, strong communication, and supporting vulnerable neighbours. NetNewsLedger will continue monitoring developments across Ontario and report updates relevant to Northwestern communities.
Please continue to follow trusted sources and help keep emergency lines free for those in urgent need.
