A significant hydro one outage has affected thousands of customers in Prescott and Russell, Ontario, following a freezing rainstorm that struck the region on March 11, 2026. The storm resulted in widespread power disruptions, with Hydro One reporting various levels of outages throughout the day.

At approximately 2:30 PM on March 11, 369 Hydro One customers in Rockland were without electricity. This number escalated by 7:30 PM, when 2,677 customers in Wendover, Plantagenet, Riceville, and Fournier lost power. By 11 PM, the situation improved slightly, with the number of affected customers decreasing to 175.

As of 2 PM on March 12, only 20 Hydro One customers remained without service. However, the situation worsened again, as more than 11,000 Hydro One customers were reported without power by 1 PM on the same day, primarily in the Bancroft area.

The freezing rainstorm, while less severe than initially projected, still caused significant outages. In addition to the power disruptions, a precautionary boil water advisory was issued for approximately 77,000 residents in part of the Gatineau sector after a treatment plant lost power.

In response to the storm, all western Quebec schools were closed on March 11, highlighting the widespread impact of the weather conditions. Hydro-Québec also reported that around 30,000 of its customers were without power earlier on March 12.

As recovery efforts continue, Hydro One has been working to restore power to affected customers. Officials have not yet provided a timeline for when full service will be restored. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of damage caused by the storm and the ongoing restoration efforts.

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“Des dégâts sont nombreux, mais sont assez facilement réparables,” stated Louis-Olivier Batty, reflecting on the aftermath of a significant freezing rain event that struck Quebec on March 12, 2026. The storm led to over 100,000 households losing electricity across the province, with Hydro-Québec reporting 135 outages in the Outaouais region alone, affecting more than 10,000 customers.

The freezing rain, which Environnement Canada estimated to be between 20 to 30 millimeters in the Outaouais region, created hazardous conditions that prompted Quebec Premier François Legault to urge residents to exercise caution. “Je voudrais demander aux Québécois qui sont capables de ne pas sortir de chez eux, de rester chez eux et s’ils ont à sortir, d’être prudents, parce qu’il y a des routes encore qui sont glacées,” he advised, highlighting the dangers posed by icy roads.

Effects on Local Infrastructure

In Gatineau, the storm caused a notable electrical outage at the city’s water treatment plant, resulting in a temporary drop in water pressure. This led to a boil water advisory being issued for parts of Gatineau and Hull, affecting over 77 residents. The advisory was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety amid the disruptions caused by the storm.

At the peak of the storm, over 210,000 households across Quebec experienced power outages, with the Montérégie region being the hardest hit, where more than 40,000 customers were affected. The scale of the outages prompted a swift response from Hydro-Québec, which worked diligently to restore power to those impacted.

Community Response and Future Events

The community’s resilience was evident as local authorities and residents began to assess the damage and work towards recovery. Sylvain Parent-Bédard acknowledged the efforts made by the community, stating, “Nous reconnaissons également le chemin qu’il a parcouru au cours des dernières années et l’évolution qui accompagne cette démarche.” This sentiment reflects the collective spirit of the residents as they navigate the challenges posed by the severe weather.

Looking ahead, the city of Gatineau is also preparing for upcoming events, including a series of performances by comedian Julien Lacroix, scheduled to begin in 2026. As the community recovers from the recent storm, these events may provide a much-needed boost to local morale and economy.

As the situation continues to develop, residents are encouraged to stay informed about safety advisories and updates from local authorities. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the timeline for complete restoration of services in the affected areas.

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An orange alert has been issued for several regions in Quebec, Canada, due to expected freezing rain starting early Wednesday morning, March 10, 2026. Environnement Canada has warned that the freezing rain is anticipated to begin around 4 AM, with the most critical period lasting until 3 PM the same day.

According to forecasts, up to 30 millimeters of freezing rain could accumulate over a 24-hour period, particularly impacting areas such as Grand Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Parc du Mont-Tremblant, Mauricie, Drummondville, and Saguenay. In Gatineau, residents can expect between 10 to 20 millimeters of freezing rain, with some areas possibly receiving up to 30 millimeters.

Wind gusts are also expected to reach between 45 to 60 km/h, especially in the Outaouais and Montreal regions. These conditions could lead to widespread power outages, as the freezing rain event is likely to last up to 24 hours, potentially paralyzing services across the affected areas. Jean-Charles Beaubois from MétéoGlobale stated, “Ça va être une situation assez critique,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing across almost the entire province, exacerbating the potential impact of the freezing rain. Significant snowfall is also expected in Saguenay and Bas-Saint-Laurent, with accumulations of up to 20 centimeters. This combination of freezing rain and snow raises concerns for residents and local authorities alike.

In light of these warnings, residents are advised to prepare an emergency kit for at least 72 hours. Jean-Charles Beaubois further cautioned, “Faut s’attendre à des coupures d’électricité,” indicating that power outages should be anticipated. Local officials are urging everyone to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this weather event.

Maude Marquis-Bissonnette reassured the public, stating, “On est absolument prêts,” indicating that emergency services are prepared to respond to any incidents that may arise due to the severe weather conditions.

This alert comes on the heels of a significant freezing rain event that occurred in 2023, highlighting the potential for similar weather-related challenges in the region. As communities brace for the impending storm, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the impact and the response measures that will be implemented.

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