Thousands left without power as Ontario battles fierce winter storm
- A powerful winter storm has hit parts of Ontario, resulting in significant snowfall and hazardous driving conditions.
- Over 30,000 customers are without power, mainly in central Ontario, as Hydro One works to restore electricity.
- The storm is expected to taper off by Sunday night, but more winter weather is predicted for next week.
In Ontario, a significant winter storm on Saturday, November 30, 2024, delivered harsh weather conditions to several communities, primarily impacting central Ontario. Reports indicated that some areas received nearly a metre of snow, leading to road closures, power outages, and hazardous travel conditions. Bracebridge and Sault Ste. Marie were among the hardest-hit locations, accumulating approximately 89 and 80 centimeters of snow, respectively. Snow squall warnings were issued which predicted additional snow accumulations of 40 to 50 centimetres in affected areas, prompting the Ontario Provincial Police to recommend staying off the roads due to dangerous conditions. Amid the storm, Hydro One, the provincial utility company, announced that over 30,000 residents were without power. Crews were dispatched to restore electricity as quickly as possible, according to spokesperson Pooja Dawani. The impact of this winter weather came as a rude awakening following Ontario's mild autumn, as operational meteorologist Brent Linington described the storm's effects. Areas around the Great Lakes were particularly affected, with lake-effect snow contributing to the severe conditions. Trans-Canada Highway routes, including Highway 17, experienced closures due to whiteout situations, emphasizing the necessity for caution among drivers. As the storm was expected to taper off by Sunday night, meteorologists forecast more winter weather next week, including a broad brush of snow mid-week and potentially another round of lake-effect snow over the weekend. The accumulation of snow raises difficulties for emergency services and potential further disruptions to power and transportation in the coming days, as communities work on recovery and cleanup from this winter storm. The severity of the storm's impact underlines the typical challenges Ontario faces during winter months, especially regarding the readiness of infrastructure and services to handle sudden extreme weather conditions. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness for winter weather, not only for utility companies but also for residents and local authorities tasked with ensuring public safety.