The December 19, 2013 ice storm was a “remember where you were” event. The storm was a result of a low-pressure system that formed over Texas and made its way to Ontario.
How much ice can cause power outages?
This can leave people without power for anywhere from several days to a month. According to most meteorologists, just one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation can add about 500 pounds (230 kg) of weight per line span. Damage from ice storms is easily capable of shutting down entire metropolitan areas.
What was the worst ice storm in Canada?
1998 Ice Storm
While Ottawa and Montreal sustain, on average, over 40 hours of freezing rain a year, the 1998 Ice Storm resulted in 80 hours of freezing rain and drizzle with 3.9 in (100 mm) of accumulation in Montreal. By this standard, the 1998 storm was the worst event to hit Canada in recent years.
How did the Toronto ice storm occur?
It entered Ontario, Canada, by 2:00 pm on 20 December, when a freezing rain warning was in place. The associated warm front, which ran from Texas, met a cold air mass in eastern Canada, where large amounts of snow fell. Near the front, precipitation was in the form of freezing rain and ice pellets.
How did the 1998 ice storm start?
On January 4, 1998, an upper level low system stalled over the Great Lakes, pumping warm and moist air from the Gulf of Mexico toward the upper St. Lawrence Valley. The upper flow then turned eastward, bringing this air mass down toward the Bay of Fundy.
What caused the 1998 ice storm?
Like other major ice storms that have affected the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence region, the storm resulted from a combination of low-pressure warm air currents from the Gulf of Mexico and high-pressure cold currents from the Arctic.
What causes power outages during an ice storm?
Ice and snow accumulation. One of the most common causes for outages during winter storms is due to ice accumulation. When ice or snow builds up on a tree, it can cause that tree or its branches to get heavy and fall on power lines. If ice accumulates on a power line, it can cause the same result.
Is 1/10th of an inch of ice a lot?
A tenth of an inch of freezing rain becomes a nuisance. It’s not enough for power outages, but it can cause sidewalks and overpasses/bridges to turn slick. A half an inch of ice damages trees. Widespread power outages become more likely.
How many people were killed in the 1998 ice storm?
28 people
Casualties and Damage from the Ice Storm of 1998 28 people died, many from hypothermia. 945 people were injured. Over 4 million people in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick lost power. About 600,000 people had to leave their homes.
How many people are still without power in Ontario?
Several safety bodies, including the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario, warned residents that the icy weather may bring down wires and trees, contributing to the outages. We’re continuing restoration and repair work as over 104,000 customers remain without power. The storm is now making its way east.
How much ice was on the ground before the 1998 storm?
Prior to the 1998 storm, the last major ice storm to hit Montreal (1961) deposited around 30 millimetres (1.2 in) to 60 millimetres (2.4 in) of ice.
How much damage did the ice storm do to Quebec?
Three weeks after the end of the ice storm, there were still thousands of people without electricity. In Quebec alone, 150,000 people were without electricity as of January 28. Estimates of material damage reached around $2 billion Canadian for Quebec alone.
Is it possible to travel during the ice storm?
Sunday, December 29th 2019, 8:22 am – Travel could be impossible at times with the significant ice accretion, which is also bringing the chance for power outages. Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. This is a modal window.
