A severe ice storm hit parts of Ontario over the weekend. As a result, more than 300,000 Canadians lost power, according to Hydro One, the region’s electricity provider.

Weather Warnings Issued

Meanwhile, Environment Canada had warned about the storm. It predicted freezing rain in Ottawa, Quebec, and Ontario. Additionally, snow and ice pellets were expected in some areas until Monday morning.

Causes of Power Outages

Hydro One reported, "Outages are largely being caused by tree limbs and branches being weighed down from the accumulation of freezing rain." Furthermore, the company warned about possible flooding in central Ontario.

Widespread Impact on Residents

By Sunday afternoon, the storm had affected over 350,000 customers. Consequently, Hydro One expected to restore power by April 1. Similarly, another power provider, Alectra, said about 35,000 customers, mainly in Barrie, lost electricity. Since ice-covered power lines slowed progress, the company deployed all available resources.

State of Emergency in Orillia

As a precaution, Orillia, a city in Ontario, declared a state of emergency. The freezing rain caused widespread power outages, dangerous roads, fallen trees, and damaged hydro lines. Moreover, public and private properties also suffered damage. The city’s website stated, "This is a very serious situation with hazardous road conditions, downed trees and hydro lines, and damage to public and private infrastructure."

Residents Share Experiences

In the meantime, many Ontario residents shared their experiences on social media. They reported road closures due to fallen trees. Additionally, some said they kept hearing trees crashing since the storm began. One user wrote on X, " Crazy ice storm here in Ontario is wrecking havoc on the trees and cities around. Trees destroyed, roads blocked, falling ice everywhere, power lines down and no phone signal. As the ice melts more and more trees are crumbling under the pressure. State of Emergency declared."

Crazy ice storm here in Ontario is wrecking havoc on the trees and cities around. Trees destroyed, roads blocked, falling ice everywhere, power lines down and no phone signal. As the ice melts more and more trees are crumbling under the pressure. State of Emergency declared. pic.twitter.com/uIigT7ZE1W

— That_Guy (@ajzadar) March 30, 2025