Thunderstorm leaves 13,000 without power, trees down in Fredericton

Watches remain in effect for other parts of the province

CBC News · Posted: Jun 05, 2020 7:48 PM AT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago

A severe thunderstorm has left 13,000 customers without power in the Fredericton region.

Strong winds broke branches off trees around the city and heavy rain flooded some streets.

The City of Fredericton posted on Twitter that crews are currently cleaning up roads, streets, and sidewalks.

"Many traffic lights are out, so please treat affected intersections like four-way stops. Stay safe, everyone."

The Fredericton Fire Department is at the scene of a house fire on George Street.

Jonathan Price said he was out for a bike ride and getting ready to go home when the rain and wind struck. He got to his car and was inside when a tree branch came down on top of it. He was unhurt.

"Not how I expected to spend my Friday night, that's for sure." Price said.

NB Power has estimated power will be restored between 9 and 10 p.m. Friday.

Environment Canada had issued a thunderstorm watch just after 6 p.m. for Fredericton and Southern York County and Oromocto and Sunbury County.

Both the watch and warning were lifted shortly after 7 p.m in the Fredericton area.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for other parts of the province, including Grand Lake and Queens County, Kent County, Moncton and the Miramichi region.

"A cluster of thunderstorms moving across the region are giving strong wind gusts and hail. These conditions will persist this evening and possibly reach warning criteria," said the national weather service.

Trees and branches were broken from the high winds from a severe thunderstorm in the Fredericton region.