The spring ice storm that has left hundreds of thousands of people across the province without power is bringing back memories of two other notable ice storms that caused widespread damage. Here’s how this weekend’s storm compares to those in 2013 and 1998.

Environment Canada says to prepare for widespread power outages and dangerous travel this weekend because of freezing rain hitting communities ranging from Bancroft to Belleville to Brockville.

Freezing rain is building up in Peterborough, with 2mm of ice already on trees and cars. Conditions will worsen, and power flickers hint at possible outages ahead. Meteorologist and stormhunter Mark Robinson has more.

Residents in the most severely affected areas are being encouraged not to travel unless necessary and to watch for downed wires and work crews.

Lots of Mainers compared this storm to the Ice Storm of 1998, in which 800,00 people were without power. The Ice Storm of '98 was significantly more intense than last year's event, with ice accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches across Central Maine.

An ice storm passed through northern Michigan on Saturday, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of customers in the area.