SIMCOE Norfolk County was hit by a line of thunderstorms that moved across Lake Erie on Thursday night.
Geoff Coulson, meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the storm also hit Haldimand, Essex and Elgin counties and Niagara Region.
“A couple of the stronger ones in that line went over Norfolk County,” Coulson said Friday morning.
He said wind gusts were up to about 80 km-h, which falls “just below Environment Canada’s severe thunderstorm threshold, which is 90 km-h.”
Coulson said the storm lasted from about 8 pm to 8:50 pm, before moving east and south over the lake.
Alicia Sayers, communications co-ordinator with Hydro One, said the high sustained winds that moved through the Norfolk area damaged four poles, resulting in a power outage affecting about 6,800 customers.
Crews were dispatched to the area and worked overnight to replace the broken poles, said Sayers. Service was restored to customers in stages by rerouting power.
By just after 2 am, 1,400 customers had power restored, with an additional 2,200 customers restored by about 9 am
“The remaining customers were restored shortly after 10 am as crews completed the repairs,” said Sayers.
“We understand how difficult it is to be without power and we thank our customers for their patience as crews worked to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Coulson said thunderstorms are common in late spring, which can bring high wind and lightning. He said people need to heed the lightning safety rule: “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
He said people unable to find safety in buildings can also seek shelter in metal-top vehicles and should remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
“At this time of year, we can go from sunshine to dark clouds and the rumble of thunder in a matter of a few moments.”