A destructive ice storm that struck on Boxing Day has left a trail of damage across London, Ontario, plunging thousands of residents into darkness and causing significant harm to homes and infrastructure.
Widespread Damage and Power Outages
The storm, which brought a heavy coating of freezing rain on December 26, 2025, resulted in downed trees and power lines across the city. As of December 27, utility crews were still grappling with extensive outages, working to restore electricity to affected neighbourhoods. The weight of the ice proved too much for many trees and hydro wires, leading to hazardous conditions on roads and properties.
Residents reported hearing loud cracks and crashes throughout the storm as branches succumbed to the ice load. Visual evidence of the damage was captured by CTV News London on the morning of December 27, 2025, showing the icy aftermath and the scale of the clean-up required.
Emergency Response and Safety Warnings
Local authorities and emergency services have been responding to calls for assistance throughout the affected areas. Officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution, advising people to stay away from any downed power lines and to report them immediately to local utilities or emergency services.
The storm formed part of a larger system that brought snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold to much of the country on Boxing Day, as reported by Environment Canada. The agency had issued winter storm alerts for several regions, including northern Ontario, highlighting the widespread nature of the severe weather event.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Recovery efforts are now fully underway in London. The focus for utility companies is on restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. For homeowners, the process of assessing and repairing damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles has begun. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the powerful impact of Canadian winter weather and the importance of community preparedness.
Residents are advised to check on vulnerable neighbours, use alternative heat sources safely, and follow updates from local officials and utility providers as the clean-up continues.
