Severe Weather Causes Disruptions
The province of Quebec is currently grappling with significant power outages caused by freezing rain and high winds. The adverse weather conditions have led to fallen trees and branches, particularly in Montreal, disrupting daily life for many residents.
Extent of the Outages
At the height of the outages, over 200,000 customers were without electricity. As of 2 p.m., that number had decreased to approximately 100,000 customers still facing power disruptions. Hydro-Québec is actively working to restore service, deploying 550 teams to address the outages.
Impact on Schools and Daily Life
In addition to the power outages, some schools in southern Quebec have remained closed due to poor road conditions and the ongoing lack of electricity. The situation has prompted concern among parents and educators about the safety and well-being of students.
Official Responses
Quebec Premier François Legault acknowledged the challenges faced by residents, stating, “I understand that some people have been without power for several hours.” He expressed optimism that the majority of outages should be resolved by 11 p.m. tonight.
Current Restoration Efforts
As of 2:40 p.m., reports indicated that 96,417 addresses were still without power, a significant decrease from 209,795 early Thursday morning. Hydro-Québec’s efforts to restore service are ongoing, with teams working diligently to reach affected areas.
Weather Conditions
The freezing rain has been particularly severe, with reports indicating that approximately 21 millimetres of rain were recorded overnight. This accumulation has contributed to the hazardous conditions that have led to power outages and road closures.
Looking Ahead
Officials are closely monitoring the situation and are hopeful that the restoration efforts will continue to progress throughout the day. As residents await the return of power, they are encouraged to stay informed through local news and official updates from Hydro-Québec.
