Nova Scotia

Power back on for thousands in Cape Breton after disruption due to lightning

Lightning strikes knocked out power to thousands of Nova Scotia Power customers in Cape Breton Sunday afternoon as bad weather continues to cause widespread problems in the province.

Parts of Cape Breton under severe weather warning

Dark clouds are shown with a darkened tree beneath.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Sydney Metro and Cape Breton County. Some other counties are under a thunderstorm watch. (Craig Paisley/CBC)

Severe weather knocked out power to thousands of Nova Scotia Power customers in Cape Breton on Sunday.

The number had dropped to about 1,000 customers without power at 5:15 p.m.

Earlier in the afternoon, over 11,000 customers were without power because of lightning strikes in a wide swath of the island from Sydney River to Christmas Island, including Eskasoni.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Sydney Metro and Cape Breton County.

The agency said it has detected clusters of strong thunderstorms between Gabarus, Albert Bridge, Port Morien and Donkin.

It said more thunderstorms are developing between Grand Mira South and Gabarus.

The agency said the thunderstorm is capable of producing strong wind gusts, nickel-sized hail and heavy rain.

Guysborough, Richmond and Victoria counties are under a severe thunderstorm watch, Environment Canada said.