More than 250,000 Toronto residents woke up Sunday to find that an ice storm that walloped the GTA left them without power, according to Toronto Hydro.
And it will take crews up to 72 hours to finalize repairs.
“It will probably stay up in that range until we get the larger outages restored,” said Toronto Hydro spokesman Tanya Bruckmueller. “Right now, we’re preparing for the worst.”
The ice storm knocked down trees. littered streets with branches and made getting around treacherous. The freezing rain was expected to end later Sunday.
Crews are working to quickly restore power to affected areas — mainly the neighbourhoods are heavily-treed with overhead wires, with much of the downtown untouched because of underground wiring.
The city is encouraging residents and businesses to take precautionary steps to protect property.
Residents are advised to stay away from downed wires and trees that may have an electrical charge.
The city is also recommending residents unplug or turn off appliances to avoid possible damage when power resumes and to leave a radio on for updates when the power will be restored.
There is no TTC streetcar service and GO train service was cancelled the Lakeshore east line. There are delays on VIA Rail as well.
Residents are reminded that 911 is for emergencies only, including downed power lines. For all other incidents where police are required, call the non-emergency number at 416-808-2222. For damaged trees on private property, residents should obtain a private tree service company, according to the city.
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Welcome to Toronto. This is not Yerushalayim, Tzfat, or Kiryat Arba. Crews have plowed, salted and made roads accesible. But no chessed organizarions or private individuals are out looking out for those who may be in a position to need help. So to all those who weathered the Asara B’Teves storm in Israel- you may be disappointed in your government, but you should be proud and happy to be living in such a wonderful place, where Yidden take care of each other.