The Ontario government is launching two one-time financial assistance programs to support communities impacted by the March 28, 2025 ice storm. The Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program will help municipalities pay for emergency response and clean-up costs and the Business Ice Storm Assistance program will help small businesses, small farms and not-for-profit organizations pay for costs not covered by private insurance.

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The amount of snow will depend on how quickly precipitation changes to ice pellets, freezing rain or rain, although some locations may receive 15 to 25 cm of snow.

This is a heads up to the potential development of an impactful winter storm with heavy snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain. The exact track of this weather system is still somewhat uncertain, and as a result, expected snowfall amounts and precipitation types may change.

Warnings may be issued as this event draws nearer.

Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

More details on the alert are available here.

The latest status and details on all alerts, including alerts that are not part of your subscription, can be found here: https://weather.gc.ca/index_e.html?layers=alert

The post Impactful Winter Storm Likely Tuesday Afternoon Into Wednesday appeared first on Muskoka411.

Current details:
Rain, heavy at times, is expected to continue today.

Timing:
Continuing today and ending Tuesday morning.

Hazard:
Rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 millimeters with locally higher amounts possible.

Discussion:
Rain associated with a low pressure system will continue to push into the region today and tapering off Tuesday morning. Heaviest rainfall is expected this afternoon. There still remains some uncertainty with rainfall amounts and the exact track of the low. An upgrade to rainfall warning may be required.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

The post Rain, Heavy At Times, Is Expected To Continue Today appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Our highly-skilled crews, damage assessors and support staff have made steady progress restoring power as severe weather continues to damage local infrastructure,” said Chong Kiat Ng, Vice President Distribution, Hydro One. “We understand power outages bring life to a halt, which is why we are continuously improving our storm response while making smart investments in a resilient and reliable electricity system to energize life for families, businesses and communities for years to come.”

While crews continue to restore power to approximately 120,000 customers that remain without power, Hydro One expects some customers in Arnprior, Bancroft, Bracebridge, Cobden, Huntsville, Kingston, Minden, Orleans, Parry Sound, Perth, Picton, Tweed, Vankleek Hill, Walkerton and Winchester will be without power overnight.

The company reminds the public to stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to 911 and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. If you plan to use a generator, remember to keep it in a dry area outdoors and away from any open windows, doors or vents.

Hydro One has a number of easy to use outage tools available for customers to report power outages and easily access updates when and how they want. Customers can report outages by texting 92887 (WATTS), through the company’s outage map and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235.

An estimated time of restoration will be determined for each outage once damage has been assessed by our crews. Hydro One’s outage tools are updated every 10 minutes as information comes in from crews on the ground.

The post Hydro One Restores Power To More Than 112,000 Customers And Continues Restoration appeared first on Muskoka411.

“We’re using our outage prediction tool to gear up and get crews in position to respond to any outages caused by these potentially damaging winds and thunderstorms,” said Chong Kiat Ng, Vice President Distribution, Hydro One. “We understand how critical electricity is to energizing life for Ontarians and our teams are committed to getting the power restored as quickly and as safely as possible if outages occur.”

Hydro One has a number of innovative outage tools available for customers to report power outages and easily access updates when and how they want. Customers can report outages by texting 92887 (WATTS), through the company’s outage map and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235.

If outages occur, an estimated time of restoration will be determined for each outage once damage has been assessed by our crews. Hydro One’s outage tools are updated every 10 minutes as information comes in from crews on the ground.

Hydro Ones encourages customers to be prepared in case of an extended power outage with an emergency kit. Here’s what to include:

• Water and food that won’t spoil for all family members, including pets
• A manual can opener
• Windup or battery-powered flashlight and radio
• Extra batteries
• Cash
• First aid kit and medical items
• Blankets
• Emergency numbers including Hydro One’s emergency line, 1-800-434-1235
• Fully charged cellphone or have at least one corded phone at home; a cordless phone will not work in a power outage

Keep your emergency kit in a backpack and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.

Stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to the police and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

If you plan to use a generator, remember to keep it in a dry area outdoors and away from any open windows, doors or vents.

Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $31.5 billion in assets as at December 31, 2022, and annual revenues in 2022 of approximately $7.8 billion.

Our team of approximately 9,300 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2022, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $1.9 billion of goods and services.

We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Leader™ by Electricity Canada.

Hydro One Limited’s common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.’s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.

The post Hydro One Prepares To Respond To Power Outages Across The Region Saturday appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Town of Bracebridge ended the significant weather event on December 30 at 4 pm. Public Works crews have been working around the clock since the storm began to maintain service levels and safety on the roads. Crews continue to clear sidewalks around town and some of them will remain closed until they can be cleared of snow for the safety of pedestrians. Thank you to residents and visitors for their continued patience and support.

The significant weather event was declared on December 24 in response to the winter storm that impacted Muskoka.

Public Works regularly patrol roads during the winter months to monitor conditions and deploy equipment and materials as necessary. Winter road maintenance is completed in accordance with the Ontario Minimum Maintenance Standards for Ontario Highways to ensure Town streets and sidewalks remain safe and passable for motorists and pedestrians.

For more information on winter operations, visit bracebridge.ca/winteroperations.

For updates on the Significant Weather Event in the District of Muskoka visit www.muskoka.on.ca.

The post Town Of Bracebridge Ends Significant Weather Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

Current details:
Major winter storm expected late this week into the holiday weekend.

Precipitation may begin as rain or snow late Thursday before possibly transitioning to rain in some areas by early Friday. Temperatures are expected to plummet on Friday leading to a potential flash freeze for locations that receive rainfall. Rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by strong to potentially damaging winds along with snow that may be heavy at times. Blizzard conditions are possible late Friday into the weekend for areas downwind of Georgian Bay.

A multi-day lake effect snow event is expected into the weekend in the wake of the system for locations east of the Great Lakes.

While there is high confidence in a high impact winter storm, the details regarding wind speeds, precipitation types and amounts remain uncertain at this time. However, there are some indications that significant snowfall amounts are possible in some areas. Please monitor your local forecast and the latest alerts for your area.

Consider altering plans through the holiday weekend as travel conditions may become dangerous. Extensive utility outages are possible. Temperatures Friday night into the weekend will likely be the coldest of the season to date.

Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

The post Blizzard Conditions Possible Late Friday For Areas Downwind Of Georgian Bay appeared first on Muskoka411.

Current details:
Heavy flurries and local snow squalls expected beginning late Wednesday afternoon.

Hazard:
Locally heavy snowfall of 15 to 25 cm. Wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h in combination with the new snowfall resulting in significantly reduced visibility in snow and blowing snow.

Timing: Late Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday morning.

Locally heavy flurries and snow squalls are forecast to develop late Wednesday afternoon in the wake of a strong cold front. These flurries and snow squalls will last through Wednesday night before shifting south of the area early Thursday morning.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Snow squall watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the formation of bands of snow that could produce intense accumulating snow or near zero visibilities.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

The post Heavy Flurries And Snow Squalls Starting Wednesday Afternoon For Parry Sound, Baysville, Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

Town of Bracebridge Public Works crews continue to clear fallen trees and debris from roadways and public property. This operation will carry over into next week. Residents are advised to use caution around trees that have hanging limbs and broken branches.

The post Bracebridge’s Power Outage And Debris Clean Up appeared first on Muskoka411.

To help support residents rid their property of this material, the District will waive brush tipping fees at the Rosewarne Transfer Station in Bracebridge to aid in clean-up efforts.

All vehicles must enter and exit over the scales. The site attendant will request information for tracking purposes – please be prepared to show proof of residency, as fees are being temporarily waived for Town of Bracebridge residents only.

For more information, including hours and operation at the Rosewarne Transfer Station, please visit www.muskokarecycles.ca or download the Muskoka Recycles mobile app.

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