It's an ominous warning for those outside of the GTA - you may not have your power back on until later this week.

It comes from Hydro One, after the severe wind storm that's been battering most of Ontario downed power lines and poles across the province, leaving more than 140,000 homes and business without electricity. Extra crews have been brought in to try to restore the juice, but many are fighting a losing battle as Mother Nature's bitter breezes continue to blow.

The utility originally hoped to have most people back on the grid by 10pm, but now admits some hard-to-reach areas may have to shiver in the dark until later in the week. It all depends on where they are and how bad the weather continues to be.

Since their earlier report Wednesday afternoon, Hydro One has since added 40,000 additional customers to the outage list and there are fears it could grow. 

While some in the GTA have had similar power problems, most of our troubles were relatively isolated. But those outside the city weren't quite so lucky, and Hydro One is trying to cope with what's quickly turned into an overwhelming emergency.

The worst hit spots include Huntsville, where over 13,000 have lost power; Minden, home to 12,600 who are powerless; Bracebridge, where nearly the same number are in the dark; and Tweed, where 7,900 remain off the grid. But topping them all is Bancroft, leaving almost 14,000 people with no hydro.

Closer to home, it's still lights out in Orangeville for 3,300.

"Initial indications are that there are a significant number of downed poles and trees on lines," a hydro statement reads. But a lot depends on how the weather cooperates. Forecasters call for winds to die down during the evening hours, good news for repair crews.

For now, the powers-that-be at the utility are pleading for patience, reminding affected customers that they're working on it - even if Mother Nature isn't lending them a hand. "The wind has caused and is continuing to cause significant damage to the electricity delivery system," points out spokesman Myles D'Arcey. "We thank our customers for the patience and understanding they show us consistently during these times."

Among the areas affected and the customers impacted:

Barrie: 4,100
Bracebridge: 12,200
Orillia: 2,700
Owen Sound: 5,300
Parry Sound: 7,300
Penetang: 7,1000
Huntsville: 13,300
Minden: 12,600
Bancroft: 13,900
New Liskeard: 5,700
Orangeville: 3,300
Brockville: 4,700

To check on the areas and the efforts to restore power, click here.