A brutal winter storm has descended upon Ontario, plunging tens of thousands into darkness. The relentless assault of heavy snow, freezing rain, and ferocious winds has created treacherous conditions across the province, transforming familiar landscapes into icy battlegrounds.
As of late Monday afternoon, over 45,000 homes and businesses were without power, a number that had fallen from a peak of 61,000 earlier in the day. The primary culprit? A crippling accumulation of ice, weighing down tree branches and snapping power lines like brittle twigs.
Utility crews are working tirelessly, bolstered by reinforcements from other local providers, to restore electricity. However, progress is hampered by the very conditions they’re battling – treacherous roads and widespread access issues are slowing their response in the hardest-hit areas, with some facing the prospect of an overnight blackout.
The storm’s reach is vast. From freezing rain in Ottawa to blizzard conditions along Lake Superior, Ontario is experiencing a chaotic mix of winter weather. The city of Timmins, in the north, is bracing for a staggering 60 centimetres of snow.
Powerful wind gusts, reaching up to 90 km/h in the Greater Toronto Area and southwestern Ontario, are adding another layer of danger. Toronto Pearson International Airport shattered a December record on Sunday, recording a torrential 41.2 millimetres of rain.
The Buffalo-Niagara airport also felt the storm’s fury, registering a peak wind gust of 116 km/h on Monday morning – a stark reminder of the storm’s immense power. Travel is strongly discouraged, and those who must venture out are urged to consult Ontario 511 for up-to-date road conditions.
Despite the challenges, crews have already managed to reconnect power to tens of thousands of customers since the storm began on Sunday. Yet, the battle is far from over, with multiple highway closures reported in the Timmins area and across northern Ontario.
Looking ahead, the forecast offers little immediate relief. A 40% chance of flurries is predicted for the Greater Toronto Area on Tuesday, increasing to persistent flurries by evening, with temperatures plummeting to a frigid -3 C. The chance of continued flurries extends through Thursday, signaling a prolonged period of winter hardship.
