A strong storm overnight Saturday damaged several trees at Oakland Cemetery in West Brockville. CTV
A powerful thunderstorm slammed Ottawa and parts of eastern Ontario on Saturday night, causing widespread damage. Strong winds knocked down trees and power lines, leaving thousands without electricity.
Early Sunday morning, over 6,000 people in Ottawa had no power. By 9 a.m., that number dropped to around 3,000. In nearby areas from Kingston to Cornwall, nearly 32,000 people were still without power.
Hydro Crews Rush to Restore Power
Hydro Ottawa confirmed that the storm and high winds led to fallen wires and broken branches.
“All hands-on deck,” the utility company said, as crews worked nonstop to restore power quickly and safely.
Power returned to areas in Wards 5 and 16 by early afternoon. However, crews stayed on site until 2:30 p.m. to complete the work in several neighbourhoods, including Springland, Flannery, and Norberry.
A photo shows a Hydro Ottawa worker fixing fallen wires after a strong thunderstorm hit on Sunday, June 22, 2025, causing power outages and broken tree branches. CTV
Residents were told to stay 10 metres (33 feet) away from any fallen wires and to report them immediately to 911 and Hydro Ottawa.
People can report outages online or by calling the 24/7 line at 613-738-0188.
Police Warn Drivers to Stay Safe
Ontario Provincial Police urged drivers in storm-affected areas to be extra cautious.
"Stay clear of any downed wires," they said. If traffic lights are out or flashing red, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Residents Share Their Storm Experiences
Eric Farrelly in Mallorytown lost power around 1 a.m. He drove along Highway 2 into Brockville to see the storm's damage.
“It’s crazy,” he said. “We didn’t know it was that bad until we got here. The wind was fierce. I’m going to miss my central air.”
Kevin Snider’s property saw several trees damaged. One large tree fell just short of his house.
“That takes a lot of power to do that,” he said. “That’s life in the country.”
His neighbour, Shelley Shanks, said, “It’s the worst storm I’ve been in. The wind was terrible. I’ve never heard anything like it.”
Cemeteries and homes in Brockville also reported severe tree damage.
Serious Injury in Algonquin Park
The storm also hit Algonquin Park, where a camper got seriously injured by a falling tree. A float plane flew the person to hospital. The park reported widespread power loss and road damage.
Phone lines and cell service were down, and the road to Kiosk was washed out. Campers are being contacted, and delays are expected.
Possible Tornado Under Review
Experts from the Northern Tornadoes Project haven’t confirmed any tornadoes yet. However, they plan to inspect damage in areas like Golden Lake and Mattawa. They want to determine if the cause was a tornado, a downburst, or another severe wind event.
Heat Warning Adds to Trouble
Environment Canada says the storm came during an ongoing heat warning.
From Sunday to Tuesday night, temperatures will feel like 40 to 45 degrees with humidity. Nights will offer little relief, with lows staying between 21°C and 25°C.
