Huntsville hit by downed trees and power outages, residents urged to avoid non-essential travel: OPP

A downed tree is shown in this file image. (Robert Lothian/CTV News)

Huntsville police are urging residents to avoid non-essential travel Tuesday after severe thunderstorms and powerful winds brought down trees and hydro poles.

Authorities say multiple roadways are currently blocked.

“If travel is necessary, please drive with extra caution,” the Ontario Provincial Police stated in a social media post just after 3 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to Hydro One, more than 1,000 customers are without power as crews assess damage.

Outages in the area are affecting power, phones and internet at Huntsville High School, Huntsville Public School, Pine Glen Public School and Riverside Public School, with no estimated time for restoration.

Staff say schools remain open to students.

On Monday evening, Environment Canada reported wind gusts reaching up to 100 kilometres per hour and hail the size of toonies falling in parts of Muskoka overnight.

The national weather agency says there is a 40 per cent chance of showers Tuesday morning and early afternoon, noting another risk of thunderstorms on the horizon.

CTV News has reached out for more details and will provide them when they become available.