Web posted on August 19, 2005

Centre Wellington - The County of Wellington O.P.P. would like to warn all local residents to stay away from any downed hydro wires.

As Hydro personnel work to restore power, electrical surges may occur along lines and power may be activated along to the downed wires. If you are standing near any hydro wires, you could be electricuted or suffer serious injury. Please stay away for your own safety.

It is estimated that over 1600 Centre Wellington residences are without power as of 8:00pm this evening.

Also, if you suspect that your residence or any building that your occupy has been damaged by the storm, please have it inspected before you re-occupy it. Find alternate accommodations until you are sure that it is safe to return to it.

Please be aware that employees from Environment Canada will be visiting properties throughout Centre Wellington to inspect damages caused by the tornado. All employees will carry proper photo identification.

A warning is issued to all motorists to concentrate on their driving. Work crews and Police are put in great danger when motorists take time to rubberneck to see the damage instead of concentrating on their driving and where they are going.

The County of Wellington O.P.P. would like to thank everyone for his or her cooperation during this stressful period.