District of Muskoka Declares State of Emergency

See below for relevant updates about the Significant Weather Event.

From the District of Muskoka:

Sunday, Mar. 30, 2025 (Muskoka, ON) – The District of Muskoka has declared a State of Emergency in response to a severe ice storm that swept through the District from March 28 to 30, causing widespread power outages, downed trees and hydro lines, and hazardous road conditions.

The declaration was made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act at 4:44 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, following prolonged periods of freezing rain that impacted power and road access in communities across Muskoka. Impacts range from moderate to more severe in southern areas of Muskoka, and the declaration allows the District to access additional resources and streamline response efforts, in collaboration with Area Municipalities.  

Residents are urged to stay home and off the roads. Many roads are blocked or reduced to a single lane, with crews reporting actively falling trees and live hydro lines. Travelling in these conditions could leave you stranded with limited access to emergency services, and response times may be slower than usual due to hazardous road conditions.

Safety reminders:

• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed hydro lines.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
• Never use BBQs, propane heaters or generators indoors — carbon monoxide can be fatal.
• Unplug electric vehicles to avoid potential surges or damage.
• Keep sump pumps and drains clear to prevent basement flooding.

Helpful resources:

• District Ice Storm Updates: www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm
• Road Closures: www.municipal511.ca (municipal), www.ontario511.ca (provincial)
• Water Levels: map.muskoka.on.ca
• Weather Alerts: www.weather.gc.ca
• Voyent Alert: Register for real-time alerts www.muskoka.on.ca/en/health-and-emergency-services/alertmuskoka.aspx
• Hydro Outage Maps: Check with your hydro provider
  
  

Read the full news release.

From the OPP:

March 30, 2025 at 6:11 p.m.: Weather continues to be of a concern, even with rising temperatures. Winds are expected to increase overnight to upwards of 50 km/h, combined with the significant damage to trees already taken place, conditions outside remain dangerous. Everyone is urged to stay inside and avoid any travel. 

Important Safety Tips:

• Avoid Travel: If at all possible, remain indoors. Roads are hazardous, and conditions are likely to worsen as the freezing rain continues.
• Falling Trees & Power Lines:
• If you encounter downed trees or power lines, do not call 911 unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Emergency lines must be kept open for critical situations.
• For non-emergency downed power lines, please contact Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

The freezing rain has already resulted in injuries from falling trees and widespread power outages across the region. Emergency crews are working diligently to address the damage, but public safety remains the highest priority. Authorities are urging everyone to stay off the roads and remain alert for hazardous conditions.

We strongly urge the public to remain indoors to avoid further risk of injury and to allow emergency responders to handle the most critical situations.