Be prepared! Windy, wet weather could lead to power outages

Tuesday's wet, windy weather could lead to some power outages in Waterloo Region.

Crews were already busy in the Stanley Park area of Kitchener in the morning hours as over 2,500 customers were without power briefly.

Kelly McMath is Communications Specialist at Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro.

She says they keep a close eye on predicted weather patterns. 

“We make sure we have equipment and crews on standby in the event of any power outages. Strong winds can bring down power lines – just the sheer magnitude of the winds can cause equipment to break, also branches can bring down power lines. If customers do encounter any power lines that have come down, we ask that they stay 10 metres away to stay safe – that's about the length of a full-sized school bus.”

If you're worried about spending the afternoon in the dark, McMath says there are some things you can do right now to prepare for any potential outages.

“To prepare for potential power outages, customers should keep their mobile devices charged. That ensures they'll always have a line of communication in case typical electricity goes out, and they don't have access to typical communication methods.”

If your power does go out – keep in mind, crews are doing their best and working diligently.

“Crews will be working as hard as they can to get power restored if anything does happen. They are on standby, and we are watching.”

McMath adds if you do come across any downed power lines – call 911 and stay well back, and that goes for kids and pets too.

If you're experiencing any power outages, you can check local outage maps for KW Hydro, Waterloo North Hydro, Energy+ Inc., and Guelph Hydro.