Wind storm knocks out power lines, traffic lights and branches in London, Ont.
A strong wind storm caused by a fast-moving cold front resulted in power disruptions in London Saturday morning.
Numerous 9-1-1 calls flooded dispatchers shortly after 9 a.m. as a sudden wall of heavy rain and wind hit the city.
The gusts took down power lines in multiple locations, including an alarming incident in a city park off Darlene Crescent.
There, a dangling power line made contact several times causing fiery explosions, cracking and arching of other lines.
London firefighters were sent to monitor the scene before London Hydro crews arrived.
Wicked winds in London, Ont. on Dec. 3, 2022 caused power outages across the city. Traffic lights were down at the intersection of Commissioners Road and Andover Drive. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
There were similar reports throughout the Forest City.
In addition, multiple trees in the south end shed branches over residential roadways.
Traffic lights were also knocked out, or were flashing caution following the power bumps.
Emergency calls from concerned residents slowed after 10 a.m
Wind warning impacts southern Ontario
According to Environment Canada, the fierce winds seen in the London region are part of a wider wind warning issued for much of southern Ontario, with the following local counties included:
- London-Middlesex
- Huron-Perth
- Grey-Bruce
- Elgin
- Sarnia-Lambton
The main hazards include strong westerly winds gusting up to 90 km/h in the wake of a strong cold front Saturday morning into the afternoon.
Environment Canada said the strongest winds will last only for an hour or so as the cold front passes.
Winds are expected to ease up early Saturday evening, with sustained winds at 30 km/h, and gusting up to 50 km/h.
Members of the London Fire Department are seen in London, Ont. on Dec. 3, 2022 as a fierce wind storm cut through the region, knocking out power across the city. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
Environment Canada warns that the strong winds can damage soft shelters, and outdoor tents and awnings. High winds may snap tree branches and toss around loose objects. Utility outages are also possible.
According to London Hydro, there are no longer any outages in the city.
Here’s a look at London’s forecast for the rest of the week:
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. High of -1 C, feeling like -7 with the wind chill.
Monday: Cloudy. High of 4 C.
Tuesday: Cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High of 7 C.
Wednesday: Cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High of 5 C.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of flurries or rain showers. High of 2 C.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. High of 1 C.
— With files from CTV News London's Ashley Hyshka
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
LIVE @ 1:15 PT B.C. premier to give announcement related to public drug use
B.C.'s premier is scheduled to give an update Friday about public drug use in the province.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.