THUNDER BAY — A spring snowstorm that arrived in the Thunder Bay region on Wednesday caused multiple power outages for thousands of customers.
Synergy North reported outages primarily in the northwest section of the city, affecting 1,900 customers.
A spokesperson encouraged residents to check the utility's website for updates, or to report a new outage.
At the noon hour, Hydro One reported more than 80 separate outages between Pearl and Upsala in various locations north, west and southwest of the city.
At least 5,500 customers were affected at that time as heavy snow continued to fall, causing trees to drop onto power lines.
By late afternoon, the Hydro One outage map showed the number of affected customers had climbed to about 7,100.
Numerous hydro crews were dispatched to assess the damage and determine restoration times.
However, Hydro One said efforts to get to the scene to make repairs were being hampered by the closure of some highways.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, its website indicated that some customers might not have power restored until late Thursday afternoon.
Hydro One crews are responding to power outages as heavy snow moves across the region and is expected to continue into Thursday. Road closures, poor driving conditions and reduced visibility may delay some power outage restoration efforts.
Customers can report their outage by texting 92887 (WATTS), online, through the company’s outage map and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235.
An estimated time of restoration will be determined for each outage once damage has been assessed. Our outage tools are updated every 10 minutes as information comes in from the crews on the ground.
Be sure to stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 meters back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to the police and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
