Power outages surged dramatically across New Brunswick after a powerful wind and rain storm battered the province late Friday night, leaving more than 42,000 customers without electricity within a matter of hours. Fredericton and surrounding communities were among the hardest hit as extreme weather conditions caused widespread infrastructure damage and disruption.
According to NB Power, the rapid rise in power outages was driven by strong wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and falling trees that brought down power lines across multiple regions.
Fredericton Area Hit Hardest by Power Outages
The Fredericton region experienced the most severe impact from the storm-related power outages, accounting for nearly 20,000 customers without service by late evening. Utility crews reported extensive damage to overhead lines, transformers, and poles as wind speeds intensified throughout the night.
In addition to electrical disruptions, parts of the city sustained physical damage. At Smythe Street Plaza, a portion of a retail building was torn away by the storm’s force, highlighting the severity of the weather system.
Storm Damage Extends Beyond Electrical Grid
The widespread power outages were accompanied by other storm-related hazards across New Brunswick:
- Fallen trees and large branches blocked roadways
- Debris caused temporary traffic disruptions
- Downed power lines posed safety risks in residential areas
- Emergency crews were deployed to clear priority routes
Municipal authorities worked alongside NB Power and public works departments to restore access to critical roads and ensure emergency services could operate despite the outages.
Weather Warnings and Ongoing Risks
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued warnings ahead of the storm, noting that powerful winds were capable of causing extensive damage, particularly to electrical infrastructure. Officials cautioned that conditions could worsen into Saturday as wind direction shifts, potentially increasing the risk of additional power outages.
Meteorologists emphasized that saturated ground conditions made trees more vulnerable to uprooting, compounding the threat to power lines and utility poles.
NB Power Response and Restoration Efforts
NB Power stated that crews were mobilized as soon as conditions allowed, prioritizing:
- Restoration to hospitals and critical infrastructure
- Repairs affecting the largest number of customers
- Areas with public safety concerns, such as downed live wires
However, officials warned that full restoration could take time due to the scale of damage and ongoing hazardous conditions. Customers were urged to stay clear of fallen lines and report outages through NB Power’s official channels.
Impact on Communities and Residents
For thousands of households, the sudden power outages disrupted heating, communications, and essential services. Residents were advised to:
- Limit generator use to outdoor, well-ventilated areas
- Preserve food by keeping refrigerators closed
- Use battery-powered lighting where possible
- Check on vulnerable neighbors, including seniors
Local emergency shelters remained on standby should extended outages require additional support for affected residents.
What to Expect Next
With more unsettled weather forecast, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely. While crews made progress overnight, officials cautioned that additional power outages remain possible if winds strengthen or new damage occurs.
NB Power said it will provide regular updates as restoration work continues and urged customers to rely on official sources for outage information rather than social media speculation.
Source: Fton Independent – Substack
For more updates and related stories, visit our Canada News page.