Flight to address Paulatuk power outage delayed by weather

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation says a line crew was unable to get a charter flight to Paulatuk to address a power outage Sunday night due to bad weather.

Doug Prendergast, a spokesperson for the power corporation, said the power outage, which is affecting about half of the community, began Sunday night during high winds. He said a power pole and distribution line in the hamlet were damaged and a line crew is needed to repair the infrastructure.

Prendergast said a flight was able to leave Yellowknife on Monday morning and the crew has since arrived in Paulatuk.

He said the power corporation was in contact with leaders in Paulatuk on Sunday night and the school was open to accommodate residents without power who needed shelter.

Prendergast said further updates would be provided on the power corporation’s Facebook page.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm watch for Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok between Friday and Sunday.