Joe Morin Photos of the toppled rig on the

International Bridge over the St. Lawrence

Ogdensburg/Prescott Bridge CLOSED

Wind creates havoc in region

Strong winds of over 100km/h have been racing through the area today creating damage, power outages and accidents. The winds have gusted to 133km/h at Point Petre, 100km/h in the St. Lawrence Valley, 72km/h at Ottawa, 76km/h at Montreal and 60km/h at Kemptville.

The wind knocked over a big rig on the International Bridge between Johnstown, ON and Ogdensburg, NY closing the bridge to all traffic. Edwardsburg /Cardinal FD and officials from both sides of the border are on scene at this hour. The driver is bruised but well.

Iroquois Chieftain editor Joe Morin took the pictures above a little over 1 hour ago. He reports trees down in the region. The Hydro One website is reporting over 10,000 customers without power in the Province but with no exact details. On the New York side of the border, several 18 wheelers have been blown off Interstate 81 and over 75,000 people are without power in western and central New York. Jefferson County State Police are advising no travel in the county till further notice. Schools have been closed as well.