The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency responders across Central Region are actively addressing the significant impact of the freezing rain event that began on March 29, 2025. The freezing rain persisted through March 30, 2025, and has caused substantial damage to trees, power lines, and infrastructure. High winds continued throughout the night into the early morning hours of March 31, 2025, exacerbating the damage.
Efforts by OPP and emergency services remain ongoing to ensure public safety, and crews are working relentlessly to restore power across affected areas. Several municipalities have declared a state of emergency, including the City of Orillia, the City of Peterborough, the District of Muskoka, and the Township of Oro-Medonte. In addition, the District of Muskoka and Township of Oro-Medonte have temporarily closed all municipal facilities. OPP has reported at least thirty-eight (38) road closures throughout the region.
Hydro One has informed the public that power outages in certain areas could last more than 24 hours, although power is being gradually restored in some parts of Orillia. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, the state of emergency remains in effect, and residents are urged to stay sheltered in place due to the continued risk from fallen trees and power lines.
In addition to the ongoing emergency response in Orillia, Muskoka, and Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Haliburton Highlands have also declared a state of emergency earlier today. A coordinated multi-agency response is actively working to clean up debris, restore power, and return to normal operations; however, these efforts will take time.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the following official pages for updates:
City of Kawartha Lakes
- X: @kawarthalakes
- Website: www.kawarthalakes.ca
Haliburton Highlands
- X: @Highlands_east
- Website: www.haliburtoncounty.ca
City of Orillia
- X: @cityoforillia
- Website: www.orillia.ca
City of Peterborough
- X: @CityPtbo
- Website: www.peterborough.ca/StormUpdate
District of Muskoka
- X: @DistrictMuskoka
- Website: www.Muskoka.on.ca
Township of Oro-Medonte
- X: @TwpOroMedonte
- Website: www.oro-medonte.ca/township-news-and-notices
Hydro One
- X: @HydroOne
- Website: www.hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety
The ongoing storm has caused substantial disruptions, including fallen trees, power lines, and debris. It is expected that wind gusts will continue to reach up to 50 km/h, potentially causing further damage. The public is strongly advised to stay at least 10 meters away from any downed power lines, as there is no way to determine whether the wire is live. Caution is also urged when walking near trees, many of which remain damaged and unstable.
Though ice on roadways has been cleared, significant debris remains scattered across many roads, and numerous closures persist due to surface water, fallen trees, and downed power lines. Residents are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain off the roadways for their safety.
Important Safety Tips:
- Avoid Travel: Stay indoors if possible. Roads remain hazardous, and conditions are expected to worsen as freezing rain continues.
- Falling Trees and Power Lines: If you encounter downed trees or power lines, please do not call 911 unless there is a life-threatening emergency. Emergency lines must be reserved for critical situations. For non-emergency downed power lines, contact Hydro One directly at 1-800-434-1235.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local news, weather updates, and the official social media channels of their municipality and emergency services for the latest information. Power is being steadily restored, but some areas may remain without power for up to 24 hours. Your patience is greatly appreciated during this time.
Please stay safe, stay informed, and help ensure that emergency lines are kept open for those in urgent need.
