Hydro One says high winds and thunderstorms are causing power outages for more than 160,000 customers in southern and central Ontario.

The utility says all available crews are responding to outages – as quickly and safely as possible – and additional crews are being mobilized to the hardest hit areas.

Environment Canada says wind gusts of up to 110 km/h have been observed – in the wake of a cold front moving across the province.

Forecasters say winds will diminish in the early evening – as a high pressure ridge moves in.

The weather is also affecting air travel. Flights are halted at Pearson for the time being.