Two die in Orillia crash while high winds topple trees, cutting power for 50,000 people


Electrical Commissioning In Industrial Power Systems

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
More than 50,000 people across Ontario, from Georgian Bay to the fringes of Lake Ontario to northeast of Toronto, were without power as heavy winds, accompanied by freezing rain, pummelled the province.

From Windsor to Hamilton, winds gusting up to 80 km/h toppled trees and branches on to power lines causing many of the outages.

Despite the heavy rains that hammered Toronto all day yesterday, there were no major reports of electrical problems, said Toronto Hydro spokesperson Tanya Bruckmueller.

The GTA, especially in the northern region, was under an Environment Canada freezing rain warning yesterday as an intense weather system moved up from the United States.

Two people died near Orillia when their station wagon collided on the curve of a slushy road with a tractor-trailer loaded with gravel.

But the U.S. Midwest bore the brunt of the snowstorm.

In Toronto, the Don River became swollen with the deluge.

"The Don is higher than normal but (we) don't expect there will be a problem with the DVP," said city spokesman Steve Johnston.

City officials had no plans to close the Don Valley Parkway or the Bayview Extension.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority sent out a high-water safety bulletin and officials warn that people, especially children, should stay away from fast-flowing rivers and streams.

The areas around Toronto have been hammered by winds gusting up to 80 km/h and freezing rain and snow.

"We have over 50,000 customers without power," said Hydro One representative Daffyd Roderick. "Freezing rain and high winds are two things the distribution system just hates."

Customers from Barrie and Penetanguishene to Perth and Ottawa are experiencing outages.

"We have been preparing for this all today so we are staffed up," Roderick said.

In the city, meanwhile, winds of up to 50 km/h made walking conditions difficult and also knocked out traffic lights throughout the city.

Related News

Spent fuel removal at Fukushima nuclear plant delayed up to 5 years

Fukushima Daiichi decommissioning delay highlights TEPCO's revised timeline, spent fuel removal at Units 1 and…
View more

Hydro One extends ban on electricity disconnections until further notice

Hydro One Disconnection Ban Extension keeps Ontario electricity customers connected during COVID-19, extending the moratorium…
View more

Texas utility companies waiving fees; city has yet to act

Texas Utility COVID-19 Relief suspends disconnections, waives late fees, extends payment plans, and supports broadband…
View more

TransAlta brings online 119 MW of wind power in US

TransAlta Renewables US wind farms achieved commercial operation, adding 119 MW of wind energy capacity…
View more

California Utility Cuts Power to Massive Areas in Northern, Central California

PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff curbs wildfire risk amid high winds, triggering California outages across…
View more

Gaza’s sole electricity plant shuts down after running out of fuel

Gaza Power Plant Shutdown underscores the Gaza Strip's fuel ban, Israeli blockade, and electricity crisis,…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.