After a severe thunderstorm on Aug. 2, Hydro One in Ontario, Canada, confirms it has now restored power to100,000 customers. Approximately 50,000 customers remained without power Friday at midday.

"Safety should be your primary concern as you arrive at the cottage this weekend," said Myles D'Arcey, senior vice president, customer operations, Hydro One. "Hydro One strongly urges people to take extra precaution should they discover fallen power lines on their properties. Even if a fallen wire is not sparking, it may still be energized and dangerous. People are urged to report to Hydro One the location of the fallen wires as soon as possible."

Approximately 1100 field staff have been deployed to undertake restoration work. Several helicopters will continue to conduct aerial surveys of system damage and assist with restoration activities today. Hydro One crews report thousands of downed poles and trees on lines and, in some areas, impassable roads.

Hydro One estimates that the majority of customers will have power restored by Sunday. However, it is expected remote or water-access properties may not have power until Monday or Tuesday of next week.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to restore power to the remaining areas," said D'Arcey. "On behalf of Hydro One and its employees, I would like to thank our customers and affected communities for the patience and support they continue to extend our field staff." he added.

Hydro One confirmed that the storm had caused damage to 500,000-V transmission lines and towers north or Barrie, which along with a companion line, provide the major connection between hydroelectric generation in Northern Ontario and major centres in Southern Ontario. Early estimates suggested repairs will take a week to complete. Access to these towers is limited and requires Hydro One to construct temporary roads. A sky crane helicopter will be used to lift the replacement towers weighing over 22,000 lbs each, into place.