Today’s blustery winds have left more than 68,000 customers without power across southern Ontario – particularly in the southwestern portion of the province.

And Environment Canada says wind gusts in the 100 km/h range that began late this morning – are expected to continue into this evening with gusts to 80 km/h in the GTA.

Hydro One says there were 270 active outages late Wednesday afternoon –  and crews were out assessing damage and working to restore power – caused by trees being knocked down onto wires – and hydro poles being blown down in some areas.

About 13,000 customers were said to be affected in Lambton, another 10,000 in Haldimand, 9,000 in Simcoe – and about 5,700 in Dundas.

Crews are being mobilized to restore power to customers as quickly as possible.