Over million customers are without power this morning following yesterday’s freezing rain storm.
In an update this morning, Hydro Québec officials said they expect power for only 200,000 customers will be restored by the end of today.
700,000—80% of affected customers—are expected to get their electricity back by midnight on Friday.
Work continued overnight and this morning, with 1,100 Hydro Québec employees currently working in the field. Despite the significant workforce on the ground, the weather event is not over and Hydro Québec cautions that new outages can still occur.
The most affected areas are: Montréal, Montérégie, Outaouais, Laurentides, Laval, Lanaudière, Centre du Québec, and Estrie.
Hydro Québec stated that while it is difficult for them to provide precise power restoration times, their teams are making progress. Thanks to the linemen, jointers, pruners, planters, and support staff for supply, logistics, and administrative support being deployed, they are confident that power can be restored for some of the impacted customers today.
⚠️Nous avons plus de 1100 employés au terrain. Afin de faciliter le travail de nos équipes, si vous apercevez un camion d’Hydro-Québec dans la rue et que cela est possible, merci de déplacer votre véhicule afin que nous puissions accéder aux poteaux et aux équipements. Certaines… pic.twitter.com/0kTJoT9fhi
— Hydro-Québec (@hydroquebec) April 6, 2023
During a press conference held at 11 a.m. to provide an update on the situation, Hydro-Québec says power should be restored for just 200,000 customers by the end of day today, with 700,000—80% of affected customers—are expected to get their electricity back by midnight on Friday.
Hydro Québec cautioned to never approach wires, poles, or other equipment on the ground. Instead, they advise calling 911 who will dispatch teams to intervene.
In addition, Hydro Québec cautioned against using fuel-powered heating or lighting devices, generators, or portable outdoor stoves indoors as they present a risk of suffocation and poisoning due to carbon monoxide emissions that will not be vented through a chimney. Hydro Québec recommends not using them indoors.
In particular, look out for tree branches and electrical cables could break under the weight of the ice.
The good news? Spring will make a comeback on Thursday with a high of 8 C, and continue to climb into and throughout the long Easter weekend.
With Montreal’s recent fluctuations in weather—from extreme cold to unseasonably warm temperatures—there are plenty of indoor activities to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a table at one of the city’s best restaurants, a family-friendly activity or a way to escape from the city at one of Montreal’s best spas. From the best free beer tastings in the city to the most romantic café in town, there's plenty of things to do in Montreal—including the best Easter brunches around—when the weather is unpredictable.
For the most recent updates from Hydro Québec, click here.
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