Windsor Essex Recover from Ice Storm

ENWIN Utilities Reports Multiple Outages Throughout the Night due to Inclement Weather

Frontline teams working diligently to correct remaining outages and restore power.

Due to the inclement weather witnessed across Southern Ontario, ENWIN Utilities Ltd. (ENWIN) experienced multiple electrical outages, affecting approximately 25000, customers across the service area.

Although outages were noted across the City, the region’s areas that were affected by the most outages were the South Windsor, Roseland, East Riverside, and Walkerville communities.

Due to the weather, outages were caused by a variety of issues. The primary cause of the outages was falling branches and trees due to the weight of the ice upon them across power lines. This repeatedly caused issues throughout the night as branches continued to fall.

ENWIN teams worked throughout the night, removing line obstructions, and restoring feeders, returning power to the majority of customers. However, isolated pockets remain affected.

ENWIN is restoring service to those areas in a safe and timely manner. Currently, there are approximately 5000, customers remaining without power.

City of Windsor Crews Respond to Numerous Tree Calls Due to Ice Storm

City of Windsor Forestry crews are very busy with calls related to tree damage from last night’s Colorado low ice storm event.

As of 9:30 this morning, there were over 200 calls to the 311 Customer Contact Centre asking for Forestry support. The significant call volume could mean increased wait time for callers, so the 311 Mobile App or 311 Online are also options.

Forestry is prioritizing calls by tackling any broken limbs or downed trees posing danger or affecting right-of-ways, and once those initial calls are dealt with, the longer process of getting to non-emergency calls will take place.

Windsor Fire and Rescue Services has also responded to numerous calls for downed power lines overnight and reminds residents to avoid downed power lines and be vigilant when walking; avoid walking under overhead tree limbs if possible. Natural areas where tree coverage is substantial should be avoided until temperatures warm up and the ice coverage is melted.

ENWIN crews are busy restoring power where there are outages, and City Operations staff are working on returning traffic signals to regular function. If you come upon a flashing or non-functioning traffic light, treat it as a four-way stop and proceed with caution when clear.

Lakeshore Asking for Caution During Winter Storm Clean Up

Comber Community Centre and Fairgrounds closed due to downed power line

February 23, 2023 – The Municipality of Lakeshore is asking residents to be careful as they clean up from the winter storm that created icy conditions throughout the region.

The Comber Community Centre and Fairgrounds are currently closed due to a downed power line. Residents should avoid the area until further notice.

The accumulation of ice on trees has also created a hazard in many areas, including other local parks. Although roads are in good condition, residents are asked to stay away from paths with overhanging tree limbs. They should also use caution around icy trees and power lines, which may drop large chunks of ice as the weather warms.

Lakeshore staff conducted salting operations and responded to reports of downed trees and branches throughout the night. Crews continue to respond to issues caused by the icy conditions.

The Ontario Provincial Police has also reminded residents that they should not drive over, or walk near, downed powerlines.

Updates on local power outages can be found using the HydroOne outage map or the ELK Energy Twitter feed.

If residents encounter an issue that is an immediate risk to health and safety, please call 911. Non-emergency issues can be reported to Lakeshore at www.Lakeshore.ca/ReportAProblem or by calling the Public Service Unit at 519-728-2700 ext. 0.

“Thanks to everyone who reported issues throughout the night and into this morning,” said Krystal Kalbol, Lakeshore’s Corporate Leader – Operations. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to clean up and deal with the impacts of the storm throughout the day.”

Town of Essex Facility Closures

As a result of power outages caused by the winter storm, Essex Town Hall, the Gesto office, and Harrow Arena are closed until further notice. The Essex Centre Sports Complex, Essex Recreation Centre and Maedel Community Centre remain open at this time. Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for further updates.

For hazard trees and branches, please contact the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.
To report an urgent problem that poses an immediate threat to public health or safety, please call 519-776-7336 or report it online at www.essex.ca/ReportAProblem

The Shaheen room located at 60 Fairview Avenue W. will be open as an emergency centre for those that are without power until 5p.m. today.