Atlantic Canada Faces Power Outages After Overnight Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms swept through Atlantic Canada overnight, knocking out power to thousands across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and prompting emergency response from utility crews.
Strong thunderstorms tore across the Maritimes on Saturday night into early Sunday, leaving a trail of downed trees, broken hydro lines, and widespread power outages. NB Power and Nova Scotia Power reported over 90,000 customers without electricity at the height of the storm.
Gusts reached up to 100 km/h in some areas, while intense rainfall led to localized flooding in Fredericton, Truro, and smaller rural communities. No fatalities have been reported, but emergency services responded to multiple vehicle accidents and downed electrical hazards overnight.
Crews have been dispatched across the region, working through Sunday to restore service and assess the full extent of the damage. Many municipalities have opened warming and charging stations at community centers.
Meteorologists say the storm is part of a larger system moving northeast into Newfoundland, where warnings remain in place. Environment Canada has advised residents to avoid wooded trails and unplug sensitive electronics as a precaution.