Power Restoration Hampered by Extensive Damage Following Massive Thunderstorm That Killed at Least 8 People

Officials say it could take days to resolve the outages

Firefighters and utility workers work among downed power lines, poles, and traffic lights that came down onto the roadway and onto motorists during a major storm, on Merivale Road in Ottawa, on May 21, 2022. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

Emergency crews continue to work around the clock to restore power and clear roads after a massive thunderstorm swept across southern Ontario and Quebec Saturday, killing at least eight people and leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power. Officials had said it could take days to resolve the outages.

Speaking at a virtual news conference late Sunday afternoon, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said the impact of the storm has affected every corner of his city.