A devastating ice storm has left parts of Canada in chaos, cutting power to over 400,000 homes and turning roads into hazardous ice rinks. The storm, described as one of the worst in decades, has hit Ontario and Quebec hardest, with officials warning residents to stay indoors as crews scramble to restore electricity and clear debris.
The storm coated trees, power lines, and roads in thick ice, causing branches and hydro poles to snap under the weight. The city of Orillia in Ontario declared a state of emergency after the storm caused severe damage to infrastructure. Authorities emphasized the dangers of fallen trees, live wires on roads, and potential flooding in some areas.
Roads across Ontario and Quebec have become nearly impassable, with police urging people to avoid unnecessary travel. Dozens of car crashes and injuries from slips on ice have been reported. Airports in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal also faced major delays and cancellations as workers struggled to de-ice runways and planes.
Utility companies are working around the clock, but progress has been slow due to the icy conditions. Some remote areas may face extended blackouts as crews prioritize heavily populated zones. Emergency shelters have opened for those without heat in freezing temperatures.
While the ice-covered landscapes appear magical, officials warn of hidden dangers. Falling icicles and branches can cause serious injuries—or even fatalities. Many residents say they’ve never seen ice buildup this severe.
Travelers are advised to avoid non-essential travel in affected regions until roads are cleared and to check flight statuses before heading to airports in Ontario or Quebec. Those visiting should prepare for outages by packing warm clothing, flashlights, and backup power sources.
Authorities hope conditions will improve by midweek, but recovery efforts could take much longer. For now, the focus remains on safety as Canada battles this historic winter disaster.
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