Thunderstorms, winds prompt downed tree branches, power lines in Ottawa and region
A photo showing a lightning strike in Greely in Ottawa in the early hours of Sunday morning. June 22, 2025 (handout)
A powerful thunderstorm that hit the Ottawa region and eastern Ontario Saturday night has caused power outages and downed tree branches.
Thousands of people reported power outages in Ottawa Sunday morning. At 5 a.m., the number of people who were left without power was 6,000. At 9 a.m., around 3,000 people were without power in the capital according to the Hydro Ottawa map.
According to the Hydro One map, approximately 32,000 people are without power in eastern Ontario stretching from Kingston to Cornwall and the Ottawa Valley.
'We are currently responding to several power outages across the city, a direct result of last night's thunderstorm and high winds. Causes include tree contact and downed wires,' Hydro Ottawa said on its website.
'Our dedicated crews are working 'all hands-on deck,' prioritizing safety, to restore power to all affected customers as quickly as possible.'
Hydro Ottawa is asking residents to stay at least 10 meters, 33 feet, away from downed wires. Residents are also asked to report downed wires immediately by calling 9-1-1 and the electricity provider.
Residents can report power outages online or by calling the 24/7 outage line at 613-738-0188.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is asking residents in eastern Ontario to be careful when hitting the roads, citing downed power lines.
'Stay clear of any downed wires,' The OPP said in a post on X.
'There have been numerous power outages reported - if traffic lights are out or all flashing red, treat it as a four-way stop.'
The strong thunderstorm came as a heat warning remains in effect for the region.
Dangerous heat and humidity are forecasted beginning Sunday afternoon until Tuesday night, according to Environment Canada.
The weather agency warns of high temperatures reaching 30C-36 C, which will feel like 40-45 with humidex. Little relief is expected from the heat at night, as Environment Canada is anticipating overnight lows of 21 C to 25 C.
More to come
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Boating advisory issued for Bow River: CFD
Marni Cain captured the Bow River on June 9, 2025. A boating advisory was issued for the river Sunday following heavy rain Saturday. Following a heavy Saturday rainfall, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) issued a boating advisory for the Bow River on Sunday. At 10:21 a.m. the CFD issued the advisory, saying that the Bow has 'exceeded recommended safe flow rates for boating or swimming.' 'Effective immediately,' it added, 'the Calgary Fire Department advises against boating and all other water activities on the Bow River during this time.' The advisory came almost 12 years to the day that Calgary experienced the flood of 2013, when water poured over the banks of the Bow and the Elbow, but the city said in its release that that's not likely in 2025. 'Flooding over riverbanks is not expected,' the city said. 'However high flow rates may continue, making conditions on and near the river dangerous. 'Pathways near the river may continue to be affected,' the release added. The fire department said flow rates exceeded 280 cubic metres per second above the Elbow River confluence, along with turbidity and debris. 'We know that Calgarians love their rivers,' said CFD deputy fire chief Pete Steenaerts, in a release, 'yet we also know that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there's significant risk to anyone, regardless of your watercraft or skill level.' If you're near the river Sunday, you're advised to exercise caution around riverbanks, as fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization. Also: Warn children about the hazards of fast-moving water; Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for low-lying areas where the river can submerge pathways; and Keep pets away from fast-moving water. Saturday's forecast was for up to 80 millimetres of rain in the city. For more information, go here.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Canadian Ecology Centre hit hard by severe storm
Northern Ontario Watch Bill Steer, the founder and general manager of the Canadian Ecology Centre in Samuel de Champlain Park, described the storm and its aftermath. Advising that you cannot even see the centre's cabins through the downed trees but that all staff and guests are accounted for and safe.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Thunderstorm warnings, watches issued in Manitoba
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for parts of Manitoba on June 22, 2025. (ECCC) Parts of southern and eastern Manitoba could see thunderstorms roll through at the tail end of the weekend. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued severe thunderstorm advisories for several municipalities on Sunday morning. The following municipalities are under severe thunderstorm warnings: Buffalo Point Reserve and Northwest Angle Provincial Park Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake the Rural Municipality of Piney including Sandilands and Sprague the Rural Municipality of Reynolds including Ste. Rita, Hadashville and Rennie Shoal Lake Reserves ECCC said meteorologists are tracking a storm capable of producing strong wind gusts, heavy rain, and toonie-sized hail. 'Driving conditions will likely be difficult. Heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility. Fast-moving and rapidly rising water can sweep vehicles away and damage infrastructure. Large hail may cause significant damage and injury,' ECCC warned. The weather agency advises people to take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches. ECCC also issued severe thunderstorm watches for other areas including Pinawa, Steinbach, the R.M. of Lac du Bonnet, Winkler, Morden, and Victoria Beach. 'Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain.' Meantime, air quality warnings – caused by wildfire smoke – remain in effect for Berens River, Bloodvein, and Little Grand Rapids. This is a developing story.
