Thousands of residents across the Maritimes are facing a dark and cold situation as powerful winds have knocked out electricity in parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Utility crews are actively working to repair damaged infrastructure and restore power to affected communities.
Widespread Disruption Across the Region
The severe weather event, which brought high winds to the area, caused significant damage to power lines and other electrical equipment. As of December 21, 2025, many homes and businesses remain without service. The outages are widespread, impacting a substantial number of customers in both provinces as the workday began.
NB Power has confirmed that its crews are on the ground assessing damage and making repairs. The utility shared images of workers repairing downed lines, highlighting the challenging conditions they face. The restoration effort is a major priority, but officials have cautioned that it may take time to address all reported issues due to the extent of the damage.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The loss of power poses significant challenges, especially during the winter season when heating and lighting are crucial. Local authorities are reminding residents to check on vulnerable neighbours and to use alternative heat sources safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards.
For those affected, it is recommended to have an emergency kit prepared with essentials like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and water. Residents should also report their outage directly to their utility provider to ensure it is logged in the system. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
Repair teams are focusing on restoring power to the largest number of customers first, often starting with major transmission lines before moving to smaller neighbourhood circuits. The work involves clearing fallen trees and branches from lines, replacing broken poles, and repairing damaged transformers.
No specific timeline for full restoration has been provided, as crews continue to encounter new damage. The utilities are advising customers to prepare for the possibility of prolonged outages in some of the hardest-hit areas. Updates are being provided through official utility websites and social media channels.
This event underscores the critical work of line crews who work in difficult and often dangerous conditions to restore essential services. As the clean-up continues, communities are urged to exercise patience and prioritize safety until power is fully restored.
