flashes lit up the sky as transformers began to explode. >> is truly a catastrophic ice storm we have had here. probably one of the worst we ever had. >> reporter: hundreds of trees have across towns and cities caved under the pressure of the ice. most landed on hydro lines leaving hundreds of thousands without power. toronto's emergency services 311 and 911 had been inundated with calls. the mayor says a state of emergency could be called in the days to come. extensive damage. it could be days before the lights are back on and the region recovers from this wicked ice storm. ctv news, toronto. mother nature had put parts of north america on a weather roller coaster with everything from snow, ice, spring-like temperatures and now an arctic blast. >> our coverage continues at accu-weather where meteorologist jim dickey has the latest. good morning, jim.