Freezing Rain Causes Widespread Power Outages in Quebec

freezing-rain-causes-widespread-power-outages-in-quebec

MONTREAL -

A significant weather event struck Quebec in late March 2025, as a powerful ice storm caused widespread disruptions across the province. The storm led to extensive power outages, affecting tens of thousands of residents, particularly in the Lanaudière and Laurentians regions. ​

Impact on Power Infrastructure

The freezing rain accumulated on power lines and vegetation, leading to numerous outages. Hydro-Québec reported that at its peak, over 62,000 customers were without electricity, with the majority of outages concentrated in the Laurentians and Lanaudière regions. By the afternoon, the number decreased to approximately 30,000, and further to just under 18,500 by late afternoon. 

Comparison with Previous Storms

While the March 2025 ice storm caused significant disruptions, it was less severe compared to the catastrophic ice storm of April 2023, which left 1.1 million Hydro-Québec customers without power. Nonetheless, the 2025 storm's impact was considerable, leading to the closure of municipal facilities and posing challenges for local economies.

Ongoing Challenges

As of April 1, 2025, some areas continued to experience power outages. Hydro-Québec and municipal authorities worked diligently to restore services and address the aftermath of the storm. Residents were advised to stay updated through official channels for restoration timelines and safety information.

Future Preparedness

The recurrence of such severe weather events highlights the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Both utility companies and residents must remain vigilant, especially during seasons prone to unpredictable weather patterns.

Related News

siemens gamesa

Siemens Energy to unlock a new era of offshore green hydrogen production

BERLIN - To reach the Paris Agreement goals, the world will need vast amounts of green hydrogen and wind will provide a large portion of the power needed for its production.

Siemens Gamesa and Siemens Energy announced today that they are joining forces combining their ongoing wind-to-hydrogen developments to address one of the major challenges of our decade - decarbonizing the economy to solve the climate crisis.

The companies are contributing with their developments to an innovative solution that fully integrates an electrolyzer into an offshore wind turbine as a single synchronized system to directly produce green hydrogen. The companies intend to…

READ MORE
Electricity Regulation With Equity & Justice For All

Electricity Regulation With Equity & Justice For All

READ MORE

florida power crews

Ontario sending 200 workers to help restore power in Florida

READ MORE

Solar-powered pot: Edmonton-area producer unveils largest rooftop solar array

READ MORE

global-c02-emissions

Global CO2 emissions 'flatlined' in 2019, says IEA

READ MORE