Hydro One hasn’t braved an ice storm like this since 1998, here’s the latest update

Four days and counting... The hardest hits areas are still a mess in many spots and thousands of people are still without power across Simcoe County.

Police, city crews, hydro workers, emergency responders and brave citizens across the region continue to grapple the aftermath of the freezing rain storm that left many in a scramble.

As we enter into Wednesday, several areas across Simcoe County and Simcoe Muskoka still continue to experience shortages of essential supplies, including fuel, food, power and other important necessities.

While crews have restored power to more than 783,000 customers since the start of the storm, according to Hydro One... some residents still remain in the depths of the dark.

“This weather event is the most severe we’ve faced since the ice storm in 1998, causing widespread damage. Since Friday, we’ve restored power to more than 667,000 customers and we won’t stop until the power is back on,” shared a member of Hydro One.

The following areas listed below continue to be most affected, according to police and hydro workers. Crews say they will continue to work around the clock and will not stop until power is restored for all.

Here is the current status on outages and restoration as of Wednesday April 2, according to Hydro One:

Barrie

• Customers affected: 11,001
• Customers served: 30,999
• Estimated restoration: April 4, at 7 p.m.

Orillia

• Customers affected: 20,620
• Customers served: 20,637
• Estimated restoration: April 4 at 7 p.m.

Bracebridge

• Customers affected: 16,593
• Customers served: 20,402
• Estimated restoration: April 4, at 7 p.m.

Huntsville

• Customers affected: Fewer than 20
• Customers served: 22,493
• Estimated restoration: April 2, at 6 p.m.

Alliston

• Customers affected: 4,376
• Customers served: 18,277
• Estimated restoration: April 3, at 9 p.m.

Newmarket

• Customers affected: 1,853
• Customers served: 65,422
• Estimated restoration April 2, at 11 p.m.

Orangeville

• Customers affected: 277
• Customers served: 16,573
• Estimated restoration: April 2, at 6 p.m.

Owen Sound

• Customers affected: 2,739
• Customers served: 51,872
• Estimated restoration: April 3, at 6 p.m.

Parry Sound

• Customers affected: 3,960
• Customers served: 18,477
• Estimated restoration: April 4, at 6 p.m.

Penetanguishene

• Customers affected: 14,374
• Customers served: 21,696
• Estimated restoration: Apr 5, at 8 p.m.

Police are asking all visitors to avoid these impacted areas. This includes anyone who does not live in these areas permanently or is not part of the local community.

“In order to ensure that our local communities have access to the resources they require during this challenging time, we kindly request that non-local visitors delay their trips to the affected areas until conditions improve,” shared Ontario Provincial Police on Wednesday.

“We know how difficult it is to be without power. We want to get you all back on as quickly as possible. We are sharing this information so that you can make decisions for you and your loved ones,” shared Hydro One workers.

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

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