Early February Weather Bomb Update Number Ten

Power restored on Magdalen Islands

CBC News

Posted: Feb 17, 2012 5:21 PM ET

Last Updated: Feb 17, 2012 5:20 PM ETA major winter storm knocked out power on the Magdalen Islands for most of the most of the week. (CBC)

Power has been restored to the Magdalen Islands, nearly a week after a storm blew through, bringing down hydro lines.

Hydro-Quebec finished repairing the archipelago's power grid on Friday.

About 180 households were without electricity all week, after freezing rain and high winds toppled more than 200 utility poles on the islands.

About 1,100 households — roughly half of the archipelago's population - were left without power during sub-zero weather.

Many abandoned their homes temporarily for shelters set up by civil security crews.

Quebec premier Jean Charest visited the islands on Wednesday, when he told residents the province would reimburse any essential expenses not covered by insurance.