CTV News Montreal

Updated: Wed Jan. 18 2012 2:48:21 PM

ctvmontreal.ca

Violent winds caused power outages across much of the province of Quebec between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

At the height of the problem, Hydro Quebec estimates that over 80,000 clients lost power.

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, that number was down to 15,000.

Most of the outages were caused by branches falling on power lines.

Some 300 Hydro crews have been hard at work clearing debris and repairing lines.

Though Hydro officials say their morning work was complicated by the continuing strong winds, officials suggest power could be restored to all clients by the end of the day.

The areas hardest hit by the storm were Montreal, Laval, the Monteregie, Lanaudiere, Quebec City, and the Laurentians.

As the storm moved east of Quebec City, the Saguenay area was also hard hit. Hydro Quebec says crews there remain on standby in the hopes of responding to outages quickly.

Schools were also affected by the strong winds and power outages, with many boards deciding to close schools on Wednesday.

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board announced the closure of Grenville, Morin Heights, Our Lady of Peace, Rawdon and Twin Oaks Elementary.

Laval Junior, Laval Liberty, Laurier Senior, and Mother Teresa Junior High School were also closed.

On the South Shore, Heritage Regional High School was also closed because of a power outage.

All Quebec City schools were closed for the day because of treacherous weather conditions and power outages.

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Sandra from Pierrefonds
We lost power too at 2:00 am (we are in the West Island as well). The winds were unreal at 100km/hour, felt my room shake. Very scary. Luckily our power was off for only 15 minutes. This was starting to look like ice storm '98 with the ice on the trees and wires.

PowerBack
lost power for 1 hour 2.am - 3.am
the hydro guys are good

Susie-Q Mtl.
My lights here in Lachine flickered. Then i got nervous. The wind outside was really blowing quite hard. I thought the kitchen & bathroom windows might blow out. 3or4 times my lights flickered. I have the Flu right now so i need my power. I need my heaters. The lights here are not full power. I notice they are dimmer than normal. Must be power sharing. I hope i don't lose my power. Sorry for anyone without. I went through the "ice storm". Boy was that very interesting. Good day all. Bye.

tariq ahmed khan
100 km/h winds in the west island , I need a vacation from all of this !!!!!!!!!!