Severe wind storm could blow through the Capital
Jonathan McGill Oct 31, 2013 11:22:01 PM
OTTAWA – A wind storm, which forecasters are calling the worst in years is headed towards the Capital.
The storm began churning over the US Midwest over Lake Huron, and has gradually tracked northeast.
Environment Canada issued a Special Weather Statement Thursday night for the Ottawa-Gatineau region including, Cornwall-Morrisburg, Brockville and Prescott-Russell.
Brisk winds will continue to strengthen leading into Friday, and could top between 70 and 100 km/h.
1310Meterologist Richard Zurawski said a deep low pressure will bring heavy rain as well with totals of up to 10 millimetres.
Typically, storms like this one have the potential of knocking out power and causing damage to homes including flooding and electrical issues” said Steve Smith of the Electrical Safety Authority. “If there is an immediate emergency such as a downed power line, we strongly suggest that you try to stay back at least 11 metres or 35 feet from any downed power line,” said Smith.
Smith added it never hurts to have a back-up plan in case you need to survive a blackout. That back-up plan should include an
emergency preparedness kit.
Downed power lines are dangerous, and could pose a serious safety risk, which is why Smith said to leave it to the experts.
“The thing to remember is to call 9-1-1, stay inside, away from it. If you are in your car and a power line falls in your car, stay inside your car, you are better off to stay in it,” said Smith. It’s not recommended, but the ESA said if you have to leave your vehicle, jump clear of the vehicle. “That electricity hitting the ground tries to go off in many directions like a rock hitting a pond, it’s like a wave in all directions,” Smith told 1310News.
The
ESA also recommends finding a
licensed electrical contractor to deal with repairs, instead of doing it yourself.