Power outage in Yukon knocks out communication systems across territory

WHITEHORSE – A telecommunications failure in the Yukon has pushed many communications services in the territory right off the grid.

The problem appears to have begun with a power outage in Whitehorse on Wednesday night.

When the lights came back on about four hours later, telecommunication circuits began to crumble, cutting off phone, cellular phone, Internet and other services within Whitehorse and as far away as Yellowknife, NWT, and Fort Nelson, B.C.

Northwestel worked on the problems overnight and some cell and Internet services were restored by this morning, while others are still off-line.

Whitehorse Star reporter Ashley Joannou says because 911 service is unavailable in Whitehorse, additional officers have been put on the streets so citizens can flag them down to report problems.

Elsewhere, residents are being advised to drive to the police station or hospital if emergency assistance is required.