Clean up is underway after a powerful line of thunderstorms rolled through midwestern Ontario Thursday afternoon.
The intense storms brought 90 kilometre an hour winds, torrential rain, large hail, and lots of lightning. Environment Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the region shortly before the skies turned eerily dark.
Trees and power lines were brought down across midwestern Ontario. One tree reportedly fell on a parked pickup truck in Saugeen Shores and a light standard was crumpled at a Mitchell baseball field. On Highway 23 between Line 28 and Line 32 south of Mitchell, a large number of hydro poles snapped, falling across the roadway. That prompted OPP to close the section of the highway just before 9 p.m. There is no indication when the road will be reopened. A number of other roads have also been blocked off by debris.
"OPP are reminding the public to slow down and be aware of your surroundings as there may be wires down, trees across roadways, and damaged trees that could fall and cause injury," Perth OPP posted to social media Friday morning. "Personnel have been working on clean up and we ask that you remain patient and respect any road closure signs as they are there for your safety."
Hydro One is reporting less than 3,000 customers still without power as of 6 p.m. on Friday. It stated that its crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to assess damage and restore power.
