By David Helwig
SooToday.com
Monday, July 17, 2006

The following news release was distributed by the Ontario Provincial Police at 9:1

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Storm-related power and phone outages

(North Bay, ON) - Severe weather across the Manitoulin to North Bay corridor this afternoon has caused numerous pockets of power and phone outages.

Hydro crews are working quickly to address the hazards caused by downed wires.

The OPP cautions the public not to approach downed wires.

Downed wires may be energized, and you wouldn’t know their status until you have exposed yourself to life threatening conditions.

It could take several days to restore power and phone service throughout the region.

Please do not travel unless absolutely necessary.

If you are travelling use extreme caution, as many traffic signals are inoperative.

Emergency crews are extremely busy trying to clean up the destruction.

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