Powerful Storms Leave Nearly 250,000 Homes Without Power Across Eastern Canada
A widespread and intensifying weather system has plunged nearly 250,000 homes and businesses into darkness across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, as strong gusts reaching up to 90 km/h continue to batter the region. The outages, which began Friday evening, are placing significant strain on power infrastructure and prompting a massive response from utility crews.
Situation Overview
The severe weather, characterized by powerful and fluctuating winds, is an ongoing event, according to a spokesperson for Hydro-Québec. The initial impact was felt south of the St. Lawrence River, and the situation has continued to evolve throughout the weekend. While crews made progress restoring power Friday evening, reducing outages from 85,000 to approximately 40,000, subsequent strong winds triggered new breakdowns overnight.
Quebec Hardest Hit
As of a 7:30 a.m. update Saturday, Quebec remains the most affected province. Several regions are experiencing widespread outages:
- Estrie: More than 15,000 homes without power.
- Chaudière-Appalaches: Over 13,000 homes without electricity.
- Montérégie: More than 13,000 homes without electricity.
- Capitale-Nationale: More than 9,000 customers without power.
- Laurentians: 7,600 subscribers are currently without electricity, a decrease from earlier numbers.
Hydro-Québec has mobilized a substantial workforce to address the crisis. Some 500 workers were deployed until 10 p.m. Friday, with an additional 80 on standby for emergency response. This morning, another 400 workers were dispatched to tackle the numerous reported breakdowns. “We are in an event still in progress, an event where there are violent winds arriving in waves,” a Hydro-Québec spokesperson explained.
Atlantic Provinces Face Widespread Outages
The impact of the storm extends beyond Quebec, with the Atlantic provinces also grappling with significant power outages. More than 150,000 homes are currently without electricity across the region.
- Nova Scotia: Over 97,000 homes were without power as of 8:15 a.m. Saturday, affecting all regions of the province.
- New Brunswick: Energy NB reports that the majority of outages are concentrated in the southern and western parts of the province.
Environment Canada Warnings
The escalating situation prompted increased alerts from Environment Canada beginning Friday evening, signaling the potential for dangerous conditions. The dynamic nature of the storm, with winds arriving in waves, continues to complicate restoration efforts.
The situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to exercise caution and prepare for potential further disruptions.