Intense Storms, high winds cause blackouts, chaos and damage in E Canada*

2008-06-11

    OTTAWA, CANADA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- A violent thunderstorm reaped
havoc in eastern Canada's Montreal city Tuesday, causing power cut for
thousands of residents and overturns of trucks.

    Seven trucks were overturned by high winds on a bridge at the
southern end of the city, forcing police to close the busy span.
Authorities said it would take hours to remove the trucks from the
bridge. One person suffered minor injuries.

    High winds also are being blamed for a blackout at Trudeau
International Airport, where several outgoing flights were delayed
Tuesday afternoon.

    The gusts also knocked out power lines in the greater Montreal
region, affecting at least 255,000 clients. Some trees were uprooted in
Montreal's west end.

    Gusting winds left a pair of window washers stranded 35 storeys in
the air. They clung to the platform for nearly a half hour before
gaining access to the building on another floor through a broken window.

    Heavy thunderstorms were also developing in neighboring Ontario
province. Government agency Environment Canada warned the storms could
also generate large hail stones, heavy rain and frequent lightning.