The severe weather that has hit Saskatchewan recently has left SaskPower busy restoring power and repairing downed lines.

The damage done to transmission lines and secondary lines affected multiple communities, such as Prince Albert, Melfort, La Ronge, and Spiritwood. Most of the damage was caused by a mix of downed trees and direct damage to the lines.

Joel Cherry, a SaskPower spokesperson, recommended people stay 10 meters away from downed powerlines and reports them to SaskPower at 310-2220.

“Downed lines are extremely dangerous. Even if a line doesn’t appear to be energized, it might not be sparking or anything like that, it could very well still be energized. The electrical current could travel even through the ground and cause electric shocks that can cause injury or even death.”

Cherry added that some people still lack power in certain communities, including Nipawin, Melfort, and Hudson Bay. Cherry also noted that if power is still out in your area, but the website says power has been restored, then it is a very local issue, and should be reported to SaskPower as soon as possible.