Storm knocks out power, downs trees, hydro poles in Mattawa

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Mattawa pounded by severe thunderstorm

Northeastern Ontario sees brief chill before sunshine returns

Monday’s severe thunderstorm struck parts of Mattawa, downing several trees, closing at least one highway and leaving hundreds of people without power.

As of late Tuesday morning, 250 Hydro One customers were still without power, according to the utility’s outage map.

Mattawa District Public School said it is closed Tuesday due to the power outage.

Debris from downed trees closed Highway 533 in the area for several hours Monday.

And the owners of Sid Turcotte Campground in Mattawa said on social media they were hard hit by the storm.

Park was evacuated

“We have been hit by a severe thunderstorm (and) another one is coming,” the park said on social media.

“The park has been evacuated. Cell service is in SOS mode we will update when we can. Do not come to the park tonight.”

In an update later Monday evening, the park said the Mattawa Fire Department and the Ontario Provincial Police came to help.

“The paramedics arrived fast to check in on one camper and took him to the hospital,” the update said.

“We had volunteers bring chainsaws to clear roads so people could evacuate. Others cleared the branches and debris for safe passage.”

Others came to clean cabins for people with damaged trailers or vehicles who couldn’t evacuate.

“Our community came together and we appreciate you all,” the post said.

At least 50 trees downed

“Tomorrow in the daylight we evaluate and make plans for cleanup … but tonight we are thankful for all your help and quick responses. This could have been worse, but it still feels pretty bad.”

Mattawa resident Dan MacDonald told CTV News in a message that at the height of Monday’s thunderstorm, he and his family stayed in the basement for the most severe weather, which lasted 10-15 minutes.

“At least 50 that I could see in the area,” MacDonald said, when asked how many downed trees he spotted.

“I went out (Tuesday) morning to see if we could get into town for supplies and the damage is everywhere.”

The family lives on Burke Drive in the area. He was out Monday clearing downed trees from the road “but didn’t touch the ones on the hydro lines,” he said.

MacDonald said the storm brought back memories of the devastating damage done last year in the area, especially at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, which still hasn’t reopened.

“Everyone in the area has a form of PTSD as the microburst was almost a year ago,” he said.

Another resident, Terry Belanger, said he was barbecuing when the storm suddenly hit. He made it indoors just in time.

“It shook me,” Belanger said.

“It scared me, to be honest.”

About eight trees were downed on his property, damaging his home.

“One took out part of the roof of my house and another part of the tree punched a hole through the roof the size of my boot,” Belanger said.

Darlene Pilon said she woke up early in the morning as a tree struck a hydro line, starting a fire.

“At 2 in the morning, we were woken up to a fire in the trees,” she said.

Several road closures

“And then at 4, we finally got to come back in because the hydro had to come in and ... put out the fire.”

In an email, Ontario Provincial Police Cont. Martin Thibeault said police were told about downed trees and power lines that caused power outages and road closures across the area.

“There are still several roadways within Mattawa that remain closed as crews continue to deal with downed trees and debris,” Thibeault said.

“Police also responded to numerous alarm calls at businesses and residences during the storm.”

“At this time, there have been no reports of injuries,” he added.

“However, some homes and properties sustained damage. One notable incident occurred at Sid Turcotte Trailer Park, where a tree fell onto a camper, causing damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.”