| Comments | Prince Edward Island, December 13, 2008. An ice storm on December 13, downed 300 utility poles resulting in one of the worst power outages since the mid-1970 and cost Maritime Electric approximately $1.5 million to repair. Nearly 95 per cent of Islanders were without electricity, as freezing rain and an ice pellet-drizzle mix left thick layers of ice on roof tops, trees and transmission lines. Power poles were pulled down by ice-laden lines and strong winds. Across the province, makeshift shelters were organized in legion halls, fire stations, schools and community centres. Rescue teams and hydro crews arrived from outside the province to assist. The Canadian military also remained on standby at the Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown, NB. |