We did a little drive within City limits today. First time I have seen my nephews and nieces in some time. Trees decimated all over the City (I am going to guesstimate 60% losses), but the roads were clear. People were, for the most part, actually following the rules v. no power at traffic signals. Shocking . . .
We did a little drive within City limits today. First time I have seen my nephews and nieces in some time. Trees decimated all over the City (I am going to guesstimate 60% losses), but the roads were clear. People were, for the most part, actually following the rules v. no power at traffic signals. Shocking . . .
Was in my Credit Union today, after removing the inch thick coating of ice from my Dad's car. Could not believe a woman actually wondered aloud, "When do you think the City will come and cut down what is left of my tree?"
Excuse me? It's your tree, it's YOUR responsibility . . . I mean, if it is on the municipal Right of Way, sure. But this woman was talking about damage to her shed, so I am assuming it is in her backyard. When did we become so reliant on government to hold our hands?
I have already said that, for the GTA, I have never seen an ice storm of this size in my lifetime. But this is far from being a natural disaster, though the trees may feel differently. I mean, have there been any reported deaths as a result of falling branches? Due to power loss? So far, all I have heard about in terms of "losses" is just money. We got lots of money around here . . . hell, our Government is pissing it away by the BILLIONS, so I guess it is no wonder that Suzy homemaker wants the City to make it all better for her . . .
I have already said that, for the GTA, I have never seen an ice storm of this size in my lifetime. But this is far from being a natural disaster, though the trees may feel differently. I mean, have there been any reported deaths as a result of falling branches? Due to power loss? So far, all I have heard about in terms of "losses" is just money. We got lots of money around here . . . hell, our Government is pissing it away by the BILLIONS, so I guess it is no wonder that Suzy homemaker wants the City to make it all better for her . . .
\end rant.
I agree. People are calling it a "state of emergency" I shutter to think what they would do if it was an actual emergency.
FWIW the roads were great yesterday and today, nobody on them!
Sidestreets are a gong show, but that will take some time.
Days entertainment was watching the recycle truck spend 10 minutes trying to get up our street. Getting out and hand collecting the remaining six houses would have been faster.
Power never went out where I live(Peterborough). Roads were fine when I went to work this morning... Mind you there is a huge demand for salt, and the whole region is sold out lol. Had at least 30 customers coming in asking for salt,which we didn't have lol.
It gets interesting when you have to salt around the whole Home Depot building with just one 20kg bag of salt!
i still remember the one story from a few years ago about an older man who was venting into his basement (possibly a generator, i can't remember the specifics). he passed out and died down there. his wife went looking for him so she went down and passed out and died. later on, one of their daughters came looking for them. she went down and died as well. a second daughter eventually found them all. so nuts.
Stay safe out there erry body. (and inside as well...holy heck the number of people burning charcoal and running gennies inside is just shocking)
Near Lake ontario all of the ice melted in the thaw the day after. once you get 10 Km from the lake it's still solid, 20K away and it's turned into an treetop war zone. Wondering how when to attack all the downed branches when more are still coming down and the ground is a 3 inch sheet of ice most of which is sloped.
Anyone have any advice on how to get a tree frozen to the house unstuck? fun one where a maple has squatted down in all directions, a few 3-5 inch limbs have cracked off and frozen to the roof along with some still attached branches. Luckily the trunk is still solid as that is a crazy amount of weight if it goes.
Cut any overhanging portions away, leaving only the "frozen" portion on the roof. Roof should not be negatively affected by the weight. Weekend temps will rise above freezing . . . remove it then.
Cut any overhanging portions away, leaving only the "frozen" portion on the roof. Roof should not be negatively affected by the weight. Weekend temps will rise above freezing . . . remove it then.
If I remember correctly your are in Brampton? We went up there yesterday for some gifting (M section) and it was like a winter tornado went thru. Much more tree devastation than where we are (beaches)
Felt like Russian roulette trying to find street parking with so many branches ready to fall
If I remember correctly your are in Brampton? We went up there yesterday for some gifting (M section) and it was like a winter tornado went thru. Much more tree devastation than where we are (beaches)
Felt like Russian roulette trying to find street parking with so many branches ready to fall
Bramalea . . . just like the "M" section. Yes, just like every other "older" area affected by this storm, our neighbourhood enjoyed a large tree canopy. Owners that trimmed out their trees still lost portions of them, but the damage was less severe, and their homes were not at risk. Minor damage only, like we have. It is the owners who have let their trees go wild that have suffered the most severe losses, both in terms of their trees as well as their homes. Combine that with the fact that the oldest sections of Brampton and Bramalea still have overhead power lines, and you have the perfect recipe for what is going on right now.
If the flurries stop, I'll be trimming up some of the downed debris this afternoon. The plan is to have it ready for when the City decides how we are going to get rid of residential debris. The trunks will be left for my "tree guy" to deal with when the weather improves.
Pro tip - have an arborist look at your trees every five years or so, even if it is just to tell you what to cut. Sounds like an unnecessary expense, but this weekend shows you why it pays.
Most of the trees on my uncles street had been marked earlier on for removal. ( elm or ash- I can't remember) this coming spring/summer. This seems to have expedited the process and if the provincial govt is aiding in the storm clean up, might save municipal dollars as these were going to be taken down anyway.
Silver lining, maybe ?
Otherwise, I wish you the best in your efforts.
According to Newstalk1010 Toronto Hydro is now concentrating heavily on Scarborough and Guildwood in particular, as other areas of the City seem to be under control / progressing smoothly.
It really shows how dependent we are on electricity.
Very true. A few years ago, the power went out here for several days straight. We lived in a crummy rental with poor insulation and the temperature was continuing to drop in the house. We had enough food to manage for a few days, but when we eventually decided to jump ship and evacuate we realized we didn't have enough fuel in the car to get out of town. On top of that there was no guarantee the fuel pumps were working in the next town either.
Comments
I think there was an ice storm
60% loss of trees? Sounds high?
Why so long to fixxy? During the blackout, we were up in less than 24 hours. Hopefully back by the time I get back tomorrow.
i heard it may take up to 72 hours to restore power in some areas.
Actually, I was being conservative. Remember, just because the tree is not on the ground, doesn't mean it won't have to be removed.
Your neighbourhood might not be in a priority area. They have a triage system for what get fixed first . . . apparently you ain't on it.
Yup, but those times will likely drop as crews from other jurisdictions to help. Still not any fun if you're cold.
+1 reason for having a real Xmas tree you can burn.
Excuse me? It's your tree, it's YOUR responsibility . . . I mean, if it is on the municipal Right of Way, sure. But this woman was talking about damage to her shed, so I am assuming it is in her backyard. When did we become so reliant on government to hold our hands?
I have already said that, for the GTA, I have never seen an ice storm of this size in my lifetime. But this is far from being a natural disaster, though the trees may feel differently. I mean, have there been any reported deaths as a result of falling branches? Due to power loss? So far, all I have heard about in terms of "losses" is just money. We got lots of money around here . . . hell, our Government is pissing it away by the BILLIONS, so I guess it is no wonder that Suzy homemaker wants the City to make it all better for her . . .
\end rant.
I agree. People are calling it a "state of emergency" I shutter to think what they would do if it was an actual emergency.
FWIW the roads were great yesterday and today, nobody on them!
Sidestreets are a gong show, but that will take some time.
It gets interesting when you have to salt around the whole Home Depot building with just one 20kg bag of salt!
Please people, don't do stuff like this:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-ice-storm-blackout-leaves-2-dead-1.2475225
i still remember the one story from a few years ago about an older man who was venting into his basement (possibly a generator, i can't remember the specifics). he passed out and died down there. his wife went looking for him so she went down and passed out and died. later on, one of their daughters came looking for them. she went down and died as well. a second daughter eventually found them all. so nuts.
Mark
Near Lake ontario all of the ice melted in the thaw the day after. once you get 10 Km from the lake it's still solid, 20K away and it's turned into an treetop war zone. Wondering how when to attack all the downed branches when more are still coming down and the ground is a 3 inch sheet of ice most of which is sloped.
Anyone have any advice on how to get a tree frozen to the house unstuck? fun one where a maple has squatted down in all directions, a few 3-5 inch limbs have cracked off and frozen to the roof along with some still attached branches. Luckily the trunk is still solid as that is a crazy amount of weight if it goes.
Wish I had some crampons.
If I remember correctly your are in Brampton? We went up there yesterday for some gifting (M section) and it was like a winter tornado went thru. Much more tree devastation than where we are (beaches)
Felt like Russian roulette trying to find street parking with so many branches ready to fall
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Bramalea . . . just like the "M" section. Yes, just like every other "older" area affected by this storm, our neighbourhood enjoyed a large tree canopy. Owners that trimmed out their trees still lost portions of them, but the damage was less severe, and their homes were not at risk. Minor damage only, like we have. It is the owners who have let their trees go wild that have suffered the most severe losses, both in terms of their trees as well as their homes. Combine that with the fact that the oldest sections of Brampton and Bramalea still have overhead power lines, and you have the perfect recipe for what is going on right now.
If the flurries stop, I'll be trimming up some of the downed debris this afternoon. The plan is to have it ready for when the City decides how we are going to get rid of residential debris. The trunks will be left for my "tree guy" to deal with when the weather improves.
Pro tip - have an arborist look at your trees every five years or so, even if it is just to tell you what to cut. Sounds like an unnecessary expense, but this weekend shows you why it pays.
Silver lining, maybe ?
Otherwise, I wish you the best in your efforts.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I feel the need to make a trip report.
Maybe power will be restored tommorow as it is snowing and that will slow the repair crews down.
Good luck.
It really shows how dependent we are on electricity. I have an electric car too and it has been parked for 2 days.
Glad it's over for us and I hope others get their power back soon.
Heading to Fallsview in the morning to play satellites.
Very true. A few years ago, the power went out here for several days straight. We lived in a crummy rental with poor insulation and the temperature was continuing to drop in the house. We had enough food to manage for a few days, but when we eventually decided to jump ship and evacuate we realized we didn't have enough fuel in the car to get out of town. On top of that there was no guarantee the fuel pumps were working in the next town either.
Felt pretty trapped.