Environment Canada has already issued a wind warning for all of southern Ontario for Sunday and — depending on where you live in the Kawarthas — a freezing rain warning (Haliburton and Hastings), a snow squall watch (Kawartha Lakes), and a special weather statement for heavy flurries (Peterborough, Northumberland).
Now Hydro One also issued a media release today (February 23) stating they are getting ready for Sunday’s wind storm that could cause hundreds of outages across southern, central, and eastern Ontario.
Environment Canada is forecasting very strong wind gusts near 100 kilometres per hour beginning late Sunday morning into continuing Sunday night. A few locations along the shorelines of Lake Ontario may gust to 110 kilometres per hour at times late in the morning or in the afternoon.
The strong winds will continue through Sunday evening and become westerly with the onset of flurries and reduced visibility in blowing snow. Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds. The threat of damaging winds continue until Monday morning.
Hydro One says it is preparing its “damage assessors” along with lines and forestry crews to respond to any outages and emergencies that may occur from the damage that may be caused due to sustained high winds. Crews are being moved into position to assess damage and quickly and safely restore power to affected customers.
The provincial utility will determine an estimated time of restoration for each outage once damage has been assessed. Hydro One’s outage tools — including its storm centre website at stormcentre.hydroone.com and its free mobile app — will be updated every 10 minutes as information comes in from the crews on-site.
Customers can also sign up in advance for text or email notifications at www.hydroone.com/outages.
Hydro One is reminding everyone to stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to the police and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
The utility is also encouraging people to always be prepared in case of an extended power outage caused by severe weather by assembling an emergency preparedness kit including lots of water, canned or dried food, a flashlight and radio, blankets, candles and matches, a first aid kit, and a fully charged cellphone and portable power bank chargers.
