A recent freezing rain event has caused significant disruptions in southwestern Ontario, leaving thousands without power and bringing down numerous trees. The icy conditions began affecting roads and walkways on Friday morning, impacting areas from Kitchener to Windsor.
Emergency Response Efforts
Emergency crews faced a surge in calls as they worked to assist residents affected by fallen trees and power outages. By Friday evening, London Hydro reported dealing with over 70 active outages. The utility company sought support from the local fire department due to the overwhelming volume of incidents.
Challenges in London
London’s emergency services reported incidents involving trees damaging buildings and obstructing roadways. Platoon Chief Gary Mosburger of the London Fire Department stated, “We’re managing right now,” despite the challenges of numerous trees down on electrical lines and homes.
Vehicle Incidents
Stranded vehicles became another concern due to icy road conditions, with multiple rollover accidents occurring near Highway 401. Although no serious accidents were reported, the police advised residents to avoid travel unless necessary.
Impact on Infrastructure
- The City of London received around 140 service requests regarding tree damage.
- Full clean-up and restoration efforts are expected to take several weeks.
- The city warned that damage assessments in parks and natural areas are still ongoing.
Power Restoration Efforts
Hydro crews were active throughout Friday night, focusing on the hardest-hit areas, particularly from eastern London to Lambeth. Kathryn Arnot, a spokesperson for London Hydro, noted that the cessation of freezing rain was beneficial. “It helps our crews to identify problem areas better,” she explained.
Weather Forecast
Environment Canada forecasts temperatures in southwestern Ontario will remain below freezing until Sunday, which may prolong the challenges faced by emergency services and power restoration teams.
