A severe spring ice storm has left tens of thousands of Ontarians without electricity, prompting warnings and travel advisories across Ontario and parts of Quebec.
Nearly 50,000 Hydro One customers lost power on Saturday, with outages primarily impacting Ontario’s cottage country, including areas from Tobermory and Parry Sound to Peterborough. Environment Canada meteorologist Gina Ressler indicated the storm is expected to intensify and expand eastward on Sunday, affecting cities such as Ottawa and Montreal.
In Orillia, at the heart of the storm zone, ice accumulations could reach up to 25 millimetres, causing significant disruptions. The city reported closures, including the public library, due to the power outage.
Environment Canada has issued freezing rain warnings for extensive parts of Ontario, stretching from the northwestern shores of Lake Huron towards Quebec. Authorities have cautioned that the storm conditions could result in slippery roads, fallen tree branches, and prolonged power outages.
Police are urging residents to avoid non-essential travel during the weekend due to hazardous conditions.
Meanwhile, Quebec is bracing for similar severe weather. Southern Quebec saw snowfall between five and 15 centimetres overnight into Saturday morning, with freezing rain expected to follow on Sunday. A special weather statement has been extended across several regions, including Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Lower St. Lawrence, Gaspé Peninsula, and Quebec’s north shore, with conditions expected to persist through Monday morning.
This severe weather system continues to pose a risk of widespread impacts, with residents advised to stay updated on forecasts and prepare accordingly.