Powerful thunderstorms that put on a spectacular light show across southwestern Ontario Sunday night also left quite a bit of destruction in their wake.
The line of intense storms began rolling through the area around 10 p.m. The storms included frequent lightning, strong winds gusts up to 90 km/h, and torrential rain.
The winds were so strong they downed tree limbs and hydro lines.
There are reports of storm damage stretching from Sarnia to London and Middlesex County, to Oxford County and Norfolk County.
"Some roads are unpassable. Please exercise extreme caution," OPP said of the destruction late Sunday night. No injuries have been reported.
Hydro One crews were working to repair multiple outages affecting more than 23,000 customers throughout the region Monday morning. Power is not expected to be fully restored until 8 p.m.
The Thames Valley District School Board has confirmed seven schools will be closed Monday because of power outages. The affected schools are East Williams Memorial public school, Emily Stowe public school, North Middlesex District high school, Parkhill-West Williams public school, Port Burwell public school, Springfield public school, and Straffordville public school.
The London-area could be in for more wet weather late Monday afternoon with Environment Canada forecasting a 40 per cent chance of showers.
Dispatchers and fire crews have been very busy tonight due to a major lightning and wind storm. Multiple areas with tree damage and hydro wires down. Working with our partners @lpsmediaoffice @LondonHydro #ldnont pic.twitter.com/pwUyd60PHK
— London Fire Department (@LdnOntFire) September 13, 2021