Powerful Storm Cuts Power to Thousands in Ontario and Quebec

A powerful thunderstorm swept through eastern Ontario and western Quebec on Thursday evening, leaving more than 20,000 homes and businesses without electricity. The storm brought heavy rain, loud thunder, strong winds, and lightning that lasted for several hours.

The weather began to turn dangerous around 6:30 p.m. and stayed active until around 10:30 p.m. Environment Canada issued several severe thunderstorm warnings during that time. Around Sharbot Lake, the storm became even more serious and triggered a tornado warning. Winds were blowing as fast as 90 kilometres per hour, and the sky was filled with lightning.

Thousands Without Power

As of Friday afternoon, Hydro One reported that about 14,000 customers in eastern Ontario still did not have power. In western Quebec, nearly 9,000 homes and businesses were in the dark, according to Hydro-Québec. The worst-hit areas are Bancroft in Ontario and La Pêche in Quebec.

Hydro One said almost half of the homes in Bancroft had no electricity. Power teams are working to fix the problems, but it may take the entire day to restore power in that area. In the morning, more than 45,000 people across the region were affected, although that number has dropped as repairs continue.

Hydro Ottawa said there were no major power outages in its service area by Friday afternoon.

Trees Uprooted and Damage in Many Areas

The storm did not just cause power problems. In towns like Chelsea and Wakefield, which are north of Ottawa, strong winds caused trees to fall. Some trees were broken in half, while others were ripped from the ground.

Hydro-Québec workers were seen fixing power lines after branches fell on them. One photo taken in Wakefield showed a large tree split in two, its roots partly pulled out of the ground.

Events Canceled in Gatineau

In Gatineau, the bad weather forced the cancellation of the Festival Parasol on Thursday night. Fortunately, police in the city reported only small problems like fallen tree branches and minor road issues. No injuries were reported, and no major damage to buildings has been shared so far.

Still No Confirmation of Tornado

While there was a tornado warning near Sharbot Lake, officials are still not sure if a tornado actually touched the ground. CBC News is still looking into that with the help of Environment Canada.

Looking Ahead

Electric companies are working hard to fix broken lines and restore power to every home. But it may still take several more hours or even another day before everything is back to normal, especially in the harder-hit areas.

This storm reminds everyone how powerful and sudden summer weather can be. People are asked to stay safe, stay away from fallen power lines, and check on their neighbours, especially those who are elderly or living alone.