City of Medicine Hat update: Severe weather event

Medicine Hat – High winds and heavy rains have caused power outages and damage to the City of Medicine Hat’s electric transmission and distribution system, including downed power lines and poles.

The City of Medicine Hat has activated an incident command post to ensure a coordinated response to support public safety and effective and efficient response to the incident.

The City continues to assess damage and can confirm the following:

• Power lines are down in various locations
• Box Springs Road to Canadian Fertilizer has live power lines across road with no access in or out
• Multiple transmission and distribution power lines along the northeast and west rural areas and west side of City as well as damage in Redcliff and Cypress County
• There are currently in excess of 5,600 customers without power

There are reports of individuals confined to their vehicle under live power lines. Emergency responders have been notified. The City of Medicine Hat reminds all residents to take appropriate precautions including:

• Assume all lines are live
• Stay at least ten metres away from any damaged lines or power poles
• Call 911 if you require assistance in the vicinity of a down or damaged line or pole

Repairs are expected to take several days. Further updates will be provided on https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/home-property-and-utilities/power-outages.aspx and social media. Follow the City of Medicine Hat on Facebook and Twitter for further updates.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/community-safety-and-support/emergency-planning.aspx

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For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca