OTTAWA, CANADA, (Xinhua) — A violent thunderstorm reaped havoc in eastern Canada’s Montreal city Tuesday, causing power cut for thousands of residents and overturns of trucks.
Seven trucks were overturned by high winds on a bridge at the southern end of the city, forcing police to close the busy span.
Authorities said it would take hours to remove the trucks from the bridge. One person suffered minor injuries.
High winds also are being blamed for a blackout at Trudeau International Airport, where several outgoing flights were delayed Tuesday afternoon.
The gusts also knocked out power lines in the greater Montreal region, affecting at least 255,000 clients. Some trees were uprooted in Montreal’s west end.
Gusting winds left a pair of window washers stranded 35 storeys in the air. They clung to the platform for nearly a half hour before gaining access to the building on another floor through a broken window.
Heavy thunderstorms were also developing in neighboring Ontario province. Government agency Environment Canada warned the storms could also generate large hail stones, heavy rain and frequent lightning.