Severe thunderstorm causes widespread power outages in Barrie

More than 4,000 people and businesses were without power after powerful thunderstorm hit the area.

A severe thunderstorm that moved through Barrie early Wednesday morning knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses across the city.

Alectra Utilities reported that roughly 4,016 homes and businesses were initially affected by the outage. As crews continued assessing the situation, the number later dropped after 7 a.m. to 1,172 customers without electricity.

According to the outage map, power was stripped by severe thunderstorm activity, which brought heavy rain and winds to the region overnight and into the morning hours.

Alectra stated that utility crews were dispatched to the affected areas and began restoration work.

The estimated time for power to be restored was listed between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Barrie Police added, “Drivers should treat these intersections as four way stops until repaired.”

The city is currently under a yellow rainfall warning issued by the Environment Canada. Forecasters noted 20 to 40 millimetres of rain could fall in the area, with thunderstorms possible throughout the morning and continuing into the day.