As the triple threat of winter storms continues to pound Newmarket into tonight, bringing with it an accumulation of heavy snow and ice pellets up to 20 cm, strong easterly winds gusting up to 70 km/h and possible freezing rain, hazardous conditions are expected.
Environment Canada continues to warn motorists to consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve. This combination of weather, associated with a Colorado Low sweeping across southern Ontario tonight, also brings with it the possibility of downed trees and power lines.
Freezing rain — which can coat trees and power lines — and strong winds have the potential to elevate the risk for power outages, according to the Weather Network.
While Newmarket-Tay Hydro has been closed today along with all Town of Newmarket facilities, president Paul Ferguson said all line crews are on standby should the town experience a power outage.
“At this time, we have not experienced any significant issues,” Ferguson said about 3:20 p.m. via email.
If you experience a power outage, you should contact Newmarket-Tay Hydro at 905-895-2309.
You can get updates about power outages here.
For customers who would like to be prepared in the event of an outage, Newmarket-Tay offers the following checklist of supplies that you can put together as a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit for your home:
Outage Checklist
- Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio
- Portable external battery charger for smart devices
- Water (2 litres per person per day)
- Canned or dried food that won't spoil
- Manual can opener
- Batteries for your flashlight and radio
- Cash
- Blankets
- Candles and matches
- A paper list of emergency numbers and important contacts
- First-aid kit
- Any other medical items and prescriptions you require
