Thousands blacked out after Barrie, central Ontario thunderstorms

A damaged tree near the Cundles Road East and St Vincent Street intersection in Barrie, Ont., on Wed., July 1, 2026. (CTV News/Mike Lang)

Thousands are in the dark after a severe thunderstorm rolled through Barrie and other storms made their way through central Ontario on Wednesday.

According to Alectra Utilities, more than 2,000 Barrie residents were blacked out in the aftermath of the storm. Hydro One reported more than 3,100 residents were impacted.

Tree damage was observed at the Cundles Road East and St. Vincent Street intersection.

Barrie Fire confirmed to CTV News that they received reports of tree damage and power outages but no reports of injuries.

Widespread outages

The power outages were also widespread throughout the region.

According to Hydro One, here are the power restoration numbers for the following communities as of Wednesday evening:

Alliston

Customers Affected: 316

Customers Served: 18,200

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 8:30 PM

Number of Active Outages: 16

Bracebridge

Customers Affected: 502

Customers Served: 20,475

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 10:00 PM

Number of Active Outages: 26

Couchiching

Customers Affected: 5,244

Customers Served: 14,825

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 8:45 PM

Number of Active Outages: 21

Huntsville

Customers Affected: 1,475

Customers Served: 22,978

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 10:15 PM

Number of Active Outages: 31

Newmarket

Customers Affected: 5,264

Customers Served: 65,783

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 9:15 PM

Number of Active Outages: 103

Orangeville

Customers Affected: 1,942

Customers Served: 17,434

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 8:30 PM

Number of Active Outages: 46

Orillia

Customers Affected: 5,210

Customers Served: 20,832

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 8:45 PM

Number of Active Outages: 62

Owen Sound

Customers Affected: 253

Customers Served: 52,181

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 8:45 PM

Number of Active Outages: 14

Parry Sound

Customers Affected: 2,397

Customers Served: 18,561

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 10:15 PM

Number of Active Outages: 30

Penetanguishene

Customers Affected: 88

Customers Served: 21,807

Estimated Restoration: Jul 1, 2026, 10:15 PM

Number of Active Outages: 3