Hydro One is warning customers of potential damage and outages ahead of a weekend windstorm.
The utility’s Tiziana Baccega-Rosa says damaging gusts are expected in most parts of the province, but some areas will be harder hit. “Very much around the lake shores will see the highest wind gusts that may lead to damage with the electricity grid, and result in damages for our customers,” she says.
Baccega-Rosa says winds will be highest around Parry Sound. However, other hotspots include Nipissing District, Timmins, Algoma, and Fenelon Falls, as well as the surrounding areas.
She adds northern areas will likely start to see the inclement weather in the early to mid afternoon, while regions further south will have the wind start in the evening, both lasting until late Saturday.
Baccega-Rosa encourages everyone, especially in the affected areas, to have an emergency kit and plan in place, stocked with medical items, cash, blankets, emergency numbers, food, and water, as well as anything you might need in an extended outage.
“We talk about 72 hours,” says Baccega-Rosa. “What would you need to shelter in place, or potentially pick up and go if that’s the right decision to make for your family? Where you can easily make that decision and grab a backpack or a go bag.”
She adds crews are ready to deploy to any damage, and encourages people to download the Hydro One app or sign up for text alerts to get updates on any outages.