Overnight thunderstorms swept through Saskatoon, leaving thousands without power. Saskatoon Light & Power reported that over 5,000 customers were affected by the outages, which began around midnight and continued into the early morning hours.
Extent of the Outages
According to Saskatoon Light & Power, the hardest-hit areas included the neighborhoods of Nutana, Varsity View, and parts of the downtown core. Crews were dispatched immediately to assess damage and begin repairs. By 8 a.m., power had been restored to approximately 60% of affected customers.
“Our crews worked through the night to safely restore power as quickly as possible,” said a spokesperson for Saskatoon Light & Power. “We appreciate the patience of our customers as we continue to work on the remaining outages.”
Thunderstorm Details
Environment Canada reported that the storms brought heavy rain, strong winds, and frequent lightning. Wind gusts reached up to 90 km/h in some areas, causing tree branches to fall and damaging power lines. Rainfall amounts varied, with some locations receiving up to 30 millimeters.
No injuries have been reported, but emergency services responded to several calls about downed power lines and fallen trees. Saskatoon Fire Department advised residents to stay away from any downed lines and to report them immediately.
Impact on Residents
Residents were urged to conserve food and water supplies and to check on vulnerable neighbors. Some businesses and schools experienced delays in opening due to the outages. The City of Saskatoon opened a temporary warming center at the local community center for those without power.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” said a city official. “We encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed.”
Restoration Efforts
Saskatoon Light & Power expects to have power fully restored by late afternoon, weather permitting. Crews are prioritizing critical infrastructure such as hospitals and emergency services. The utility has also brought in additional crews from neighboring areas to assist with repairs.
Residents are reminded to report any ongoing outages or hazards to Saskatoon Light & Power at 306-975-2414.
