Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning that a “potent spring ice storm” is expected to begin late Friday and extend into Monday.
Much of the 705 region can expect significant ice accumulation of 5 to 15 millimetres with amounts in excess of 20 mm possible. Snow and ice pellet accumulations of 5 to 15 centimetres are also a possibility. The statement also says, “The swath of maximum ice accretion is still uncertain at this point, but confidence is highest for an area from Sault Ste. Marie southeast through Parry Sound to Kingston.”
Environment Canada is warning of slippery surfaces, broken tree branches from ice build-up and possible power outages.
Electricity companies servicing the 705 are gearing up for the storm. Hydro One provided a statement to 705BLACKFLY.COM:
“Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages as parts of the province may experience freezing rain or heavy wet snow over the next few days. Click here to view our power outage checklist.
We are monitoring the weather closely and our crews ready to get the lights back on for our customers, if outages occur. If outages occur, an estimated time of restoration will be determined for each incident once damage has been assessed. Outages can be reported by texting 92887 (WATTS), through the company’s outage map and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235. Outage tools are updated every 10 minutes as updates come in from the crews on the ground.
Stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to 911 and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
For outage information on the move, download the free mobile app. Customers can also sign up in advance for text or email notifications at hydroone.com/outages.”
Elexicon Energy is also preparing for the storm. Jodi MacLean, Manager of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs sent us this statement:
“Our crews are ready to address any outage in a safe and timely manner. Customers are encouraged to be prepared and know what to do before, during, and after a power outage. Building an emergency kit is an important step to being prepared for an outage. We have a lot of information on our website.
If an outage does occur, the outage map on our website is the best play to go for up-to-date information: Power Outages In Your Area, Map | Elexicon Energy Inc.”
We have asked for a statement from Lakeland Power but have not yet received a response.
Elexicon Energy advises everyone to have enough supplies on hand to keep you comfortable for at least three days. That should include food, water and medications.
A break in the freezing rain is expected for most areas late in the day on Saturday into Saturday night before a second round of freezing rain begins. Residents are being asked to refrain from any unnecessary travel. Environment Canada will continue to provide updated warnings. We will be monitoring the storm. Follow 705BLACKFLY.COM on Facebook for updates.
