Devastating ice storms drop trees and power lines across central Ontario

A person stands on a deck as ice covered trees branches are shown in Meaford, Ontario on Sunday March 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Becky Holvik

Dark streetlights, four-way stop rules in effect, trees lying across well-travelled roads, cold inside the homes and trees pop and crack signalling more destruction above.

An ice storm the likes of which this area hasn’t seen in a decade has decimated the power grids, retail and business industries and yes, social media and the internet.

Seemingly closed off to the rest of Ontario, areas from Newmarket and farther north to Huntsville and beyond can only watch as more trees fall, more power lines pop off from their tethers and relatives, too, remain in the dark without our social media lifelines.

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Sunday night, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall said the province is sending more workers from areas that weren’t affected to get the power back online.

But in Muskoka, a State of Emergency has been called. Residents are urged to staff home and off the roads.

“Many roads are blocked or reduced to a single lane, with crews reporting actively falling trees and live hydro lines. Travelling in these conditions could leave you stranded with limited access to emergency services, and response times may be slower than usual due to hazardous road conditions,” said an early morning press release.

Additionally, District deputy chairperson Terry Glover said, “If it is safe to do so, take a moment to check in on neighbours —especially seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, or those who may need extra support.

“Winter storms can be especially hard on our most vulnerable residents. A simple gesture, like clearing a pathway or making sure someone is okay, can go a long way.”

Essa Township has declared a Significant Weather Event and Rama First Nation has issued a State of Emergency “due to significant damage to infrastructure, power outages, hazardous road conditions, flooded basements and downed trees and power lines.”

Alectra sent out a social media post concerning downtown Barrie, saying “Due to severe tree damage impacting the grid, downtown service restoration will be delayed. Foresters are working hard to clear paths for power-line repair crews. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.”

As of Monday morning, there were still almost 400,000 Hydro One customers affected by the power outages.

A Hydro One statement noted, “With 358,000 customers restored, crews continue to work through challenging conditions including the risk of freezing rain, high winds and thunderstorms. Stay clear of falling ice and stay at least 10 metres away from fallen power lines.”