Wind storm knocks out power to customers in Ottawa, eastern Ontario
The power is back on for thousands of customers in Ottawa and across eastern Ontario, after strong winds caused by a cold front knocked out power across the region.
Environment Canada had issued a wind warning for Ottawa and parts of eastern Ontario, calling for westerly winds gusting to 90 km/h Saturday afternoon in the wake of a strong cold front. The wind warning ended just after 4 p.m.
"The wind is too dangerous, I don't like it," Kham Phong said on Saturday.
"I'm not going to stay out here because I don't want trees to fall down on my head. So scary!"
Hydro Ottawa reported approximately 9,000 customers were without power in different pockets of the city. Power was restored to most customers by 7 p.m.
The largest outage was in an area spanning from Osgoode to Riverside South-Findlay Creek and Gloucester-Southgate. Hydro Ottawa said a hydro pole fire knocked out power to 8,200 customers.
Smaller outages were reported in the College/Knoxdale-Merivale area, Alta Vista and in Ottawa's west end.
As of 6:40 p.m., small pockets of eastern Ontario were still without power. The largest outage was in the Sharbot Lake area, with approximately 1,000 customers without power.
An open air fire ban is in effect for the city of Ottawa.
OTTAWA FORECAST
Showers and flurries ending this evening then partly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries. Low minus 7 C, with the wind chill making it feel like minus 12 overnight.
Sunday’s outlook is mainly cloudy with a high of plus 1 C.
Monday’s looking sunny with a high of 5 C.
A mix of showers and flurries is in Tuesday’s forecast. High 4 C.
Wednesday could see a bit of sunshine.
MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
The city of Ottawa says the Mayor's 20th Christmas Celebration scheduled for Saturday will be postponed because of the weather forecast.
"Environment Canada has issued a weather advisory for winds gusting up to 70 and 80 km/h – which can pose safety risks for all visitors and participants," the city said in a statement.
The Mayor's Christmas Celebration has been rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 10.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Natalie van Rooy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.