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LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | My elec. power has been blinking so I'm sitting up waiting for the power to go out and then slide down a 2" thick ice covered driveway to start the generator. The forecast is for the worst ice storm in decades and it is raining with a temp of 3 degrees below freezing. Greg | ||
ttotired |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 8443 Location: Perth Australia | Can you take pictures? This is something I have never seen | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | Pictures?! You have to be kidding! There is absolutely NO fun here! This is pure s**t!! Hey, tomorrow I will do what I can and email them to you. Greg. | ||
ttotired |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 8443 Location: Perth Australia | I just looked it up on google It looks amazing (and dangerous) They showed pictures of tree branches encased in solid ice, I can just imagine what thats doing to power lines. Does salting the roads make them driveable in this sort of weather or is driving just something you dont do now untill the ice thaws? | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | Everything is shut down. Power wires become 3to5" in diameter and literally tear themselves from poles and structures and lay on the ground spinning in a shower of sparks! Deadly and scary! Seriously, it looks like a war zone! All trees and foliage become encased in ice and tear and fall to the ground. It normally takes more than 50years for natural growth to get rid of the dis figuration. Every car parked outside right now is 4or 5" larger in all dimensions because of ice! Here is a mental picture. The last serious storm we had was in 1998 and I will never forget a news video I saw of a reporter walking about 6" above a parking lot of new cars enclosed in this giant ice cube!! Ther are ice pellets against my window right now so I can, at least go to bed and know that we have dodged a bullet. Those who live some miles from me will probably not be so lucky! Greg | ||
ttotired |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 8443 Location: Perth Australia | Wow All of you caught up in this, stay safe and warm Closest we would get to this in Western Australia would be a hail storm I am trying to see if there is any streamed news of this, but not really seing much yet as it appears to still be devoloping | ||
soiouz |
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Expert Posts: 3480 Location: Montreal, Canada | The 1998 massive ice storm was really something! Here in Quebec, it really had hit very hard, and some towns were out of power for weeks... Stay safe inside, Greg! Up in the northeast from you right now, we're in a snowstorm and blizzard. | ||
FIN ME |
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Expert Posts: 2788 Location: USA - KY | Sorry to hear about the ice, Greg! But I know that a tough Canuck such as yourself will be just fine. I'll be thinking of you and yours, and also hoping that this doesn't impact your Holiday Season too much. Fingers crossed! Soiouz is sure right about that ice storm in 1998. I was living in Ottawa, Ontario at the time. The ice seemed to fall right out of the sky, stinging the skin as it hit. Many folks lost power, and some for weeks. But the main roads were quickly cleared where I lived, and kept that way, so it was business as usual. People helped each other, and shared resources as best they could. It was a great adventure, albeit a dangerous and destructive one. At night we would hear the loud rattling of the ice falling on the roof, punctuated by bomb-like sounds as huge trees finally let go and fell apart under tons of ice. Many struck power lines as they fell, sending sparks and "fire" into the sky. A generous portable generator company in the USA (Arizona, I think?) sent many generators to help supply power. But their models were not designed to work in the very cold weather; however the very thoughtful gesture was very much appreciated. When the sun came out, causing all of that ice to shimmer and sparkle, it was absolutely beautiful to see! It helped us all feel a little better. These photos are from the '98 ice storm - see those gracefully-bent-over-in-an-arch trees? You can see them still in that same position, after all of these years as you drive through the countryside around Ottawa. Edited by FIN ME 2013-12-22 11:28 AM (98icestorm8.gif) (98icestorm.jpg) (98icestorm2.jpg) (98icestorm3.jpg) (98icestorm4.jpg) (98icestorm6.jpg) (98icestorm7.jpg) (98icestorm9.jpg) (98icestorm5.gif) Attachments ---------------- 98icestorm8.gif (104KB - 456 downloads) 98icestorm.jpg (210KB - 451 downloads) 98icestorm2.jpg (60KB - 465 downloads) 98icestorm3.jpg (110KB - 463 downloads) 98icestorm4.jpg (72KB - 447 downloads) 98icestorm6.jpg (161KB - 450 downloads) 98icestorm7.jpg (178KB - 604 downloads) 98icestorm9.jpg (212KB - 503 downloads) 98icestorm5.gif (221KB - 500 downloads) | ||
DIF-RNT |
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Location: NE Ohio | Ice storms will definitely change the landscape for years..luckily I have missed the bullet again | ||
Doctor DeSoto |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Damaging storms suck, for sure. But let's be thankful for what we have. They are largely predictable and while inconvenient, few people get dead as a result. At least in our part of the world. The recent typhoon in the Philippines or earthquakes in central Asia come to mind, where the cleanup involves 1000's of bodies and even more of livestock and wild animals. How would anyone like to be a Syrian right about now ? A political storm that they say has claimed hundreds of thousands of civilian lives. Ice storms suck. Been through a couple myself. But they really just mean hunker down and dig out later. If you are reasonably prepared, it is just a big PITA inconvenience. Chances are you won't be burying your wife or kids as a result. When difficulties present themselves, be grateful for all you have and remember, it could be a lot worse. | ||
ttotired |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 8443 Location: Perth Australia | Thanks for the photos Rosy, now I have a better idea of what it looks like The ones with the 2 cars really show it best (I think) The 6 " thick antenea mast on the suv sort of sets the tone | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | Perhaps because of your good wishes we escaped with very little damage. 20 miles on all sides of us didn't fare as well. Thanks for posting the photos, Fin Me, they just tell it all! David, I hope you fared as well as we did and were able to dig out. Greg | ||
fenix |
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Expert Posts: 2119 Location: atlanta | Wow! I've never seen an ice strom like that, it's surreal, stay safe. | ||
Myke |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 1110 Location: Tulare Ca | Ice....... Whats this Ice You Speak Off?? Lol Here In The Valley We Havent Had Snow Since 1999. However I Feel For Those Who Are Stuck in that Cold Hell. Good Luck and stay Warm | ||
57Kelii |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 692 Location: Los Angeles, California | And here I thought we were getting global warming in all honestly, I hope all of our snowy friends in the east and north stay safe these holiday season, its dangerous out there. | ||
Doctor DeSoto |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Preparedness IS the key to survival and minimizing casualty. | ||
wbower3 |
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Walter passed away on Jul 29, 2014. We will miss you, Walt! Posts: 5358 Location: Heaven Above (Formerly Oklahoma City,OK) | That's why I got in several gallons of gasoline last week, and had my son be sure the generator would fire up and run. Brought the extra extension cords home from the car shop in case. That way we keep the furnace burning, the refrigerator going, a couple of lights available, an electric skillet, and most importantly, the TV set operating. Grandma has to watch Wheel Of Fortune, no matter what the weather is. We've had to ride out several ice storms in Central Oklahoma in the past several years. Be prepared and you'll survive. . . . | ||
fenix |
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Expert Posts: 2119 Location: atlanta | LOL. what is with these Mom's and their Wheel of Fortune, My Mom used to never miss it. be safe | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | Under reasonable circumstances both Walt and Doc are correct. Typically, ice storms occur with ambient temperatures slightly below the freezing point. With power lost, to keep people and structures from freezing is normally not that big a deal for a couple days. It is simply a matter of routine for many of us. Again, and typically, weather usually gets warmer after an ice storm and things slowly return to normal. The Toronto area has 350000 residences without power for more than three days and the temperature tonight and for the next 2 or 3 days has tempature falling to minus 22 degrees C (do the math). Even if ones home wasn't damaged by ice or falling tree limbs, all the pipes will certainly freeze. Incomprehensible damage!! A few gallons of gas will last for an hour or so but then what, your car is not operational, the street is not passable and even if it was, no local gas station has an operational pump! Natural disasters with warm ambient temps are one thing. Natural disasters with ambient temps at 0 degrees F are a totally different story Thankfully, we are OK. Yes, I am prepared if we were not OK. I have a 19 KW diesel generator with a 100 gal tank of winter diesel fuel. But, what about those who live in rural subdivisions without natural gas? Their by laws prohibit sizeable diesel and propane tanks all in the name of conformity!!! What a wonderful world we live in!! Greg | ||
fenix |
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Expert Posts: 2119 Location: atlanta | So Your saying if you have natural gas to heat and cook your ok, no disruption in the lines?, and a 19 KW gen and 100 gallon tank, is that very common up there? | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | I think I would be OK without power for a week or two. The only reason I have that equipment is because we have a small farm and live in a rural area where power outages were fairly common. A farm tractor powers the generator. Greg | ||
58coupe |
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Expert Posts: 1740 Location: Alaska | It's great to fire up the wood stove to keep the home warm.............. Oh! I forgot, all the restrictions for air quality, you can't use them anymore! ( I can) | ||
wbower3 |
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Walter passed away on Jul 29, 2014. We will miss you, Walt! Posts: 5358 Location: Heaven Above (Formerly Oklahoma City,OK) | During the 22003 Ice Storm, I had a motor home parked on the street in front of the house. Ran several extension cords and used the 4kw propane generator for house power. Had to use a propane torch to heat the propane carburetor and to get the generator to fire up and run. It took about 5 minutes before it was warm enough to take any kind of load. 30 galloons of propane let us run the furnace (natural gas) the tv and a couple of lights and electric frying pan . . . . . . . | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | I agree, Rolland. There is nothing like wood heat. I've had our wood stove in the family room burning all day. Our outside temp right now is about 5 degrees F and the family room is 79 F. Pour some sand on the floor, strip to our skivvies and pretend we are on a tropical beach!!! Trouble is that I'm old and wrinkled and it isn't a pretty picture! Please note that I said I not we. That should be worth an additional present in the morning! Merry Christmas to all. Greg. | ||
jimntempe |
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Expert Posts: 2312 Location: Arizona | Don't get sand in your skivvies!!! | ||
55 Dodge |
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Veteran Posts: 164 Location: ST. Stephen NB Canada | jimntempe - 2013-12-25 2:19 PM New Brunswick was hit hard as well with many people moved to Red Cross shelters because of the cold, & inability to provide food. I only lost power for a day but many areas have been down since Monday & do not have power yet. Temps have been -22c over night. We have a lot of poor people in our area, widows, single parents & lots of people unemployed. Unfortunately for these , being prepared for events like this is not a reality. Unemployment in this area is 10% or greater, with many families relying on food banks just to put food on the table. I suggested to my brother that we forget that we are only a few luxuries away from being like much of the worlds population. Take away the availability of food, water & warm shelter, & we are soon reduced to a state of desperation, & the other things that we hold in high regard are soon seen as unimportant. Last word from NB Power is that they hoped to have power restored in all areas by Tuesday. Three years ago in December our area received over 200ml of rain in a 24 hour period. The whole town was pretty much flooded, the local shopping mall had water over the TOP of the gas pumps, but recovery from that was fairly quick. Thanks for reading GarrryDon't get sand in your skivvies!!! | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | Yes, Garry, this is VERY serious for many. The news tonight stated that there still are 50000 residents in the Toronto area without power and won't have it restored until Sunday. Greg | ||
55 Dodge |
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Veteran Posts: 164 Location: ST. Stephen NB Canada | LD3 Greg - 2013-12-27 1:51 AM Just a follow-up comment about the current conditions regarding the ice storm. If you go to Utube, & type "Ice Storm Damage South West New Brunswick" it will give you some idea of the local conditions in my area. Some where in behind all that mess are power lines. We live in a very rural part of the country & it is like this for hundreds of square miles, Enjoy the video. -GarryYes, Garry, this is VERY serious for many. The news tonight stated that there still are 50000 residents in the Toronto area without power and won't have it restored until Sunday. Greg | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | Things are not getting any better are they Garry? We had a thaw today. Generally good news for all! Guess what, it caused ice high in trees to fall down on newly restored power lines and take power out again for even MORE residences! Our forecast early next week is WAY below zero F as a daily HIGH and power is now not expected to be restored for 30 K homes until the new year. It just seems sick to wish these people a Happy New Year! Greg | ||
55 Dodge |
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Veteran Posts: 164 Location: ST. Stephen NB Canada | LD3 Greg - 2013-12-29 12:23 AM Sorry to here that Greg. I can only imagine what it would be like in a large city with no or at least very limited power. Looks like this is going to be our 3rd major storm in 15 days, snowing now & expect to get 25-30 cm of snow tonight with high winds. The wind will cause problems because the trees are so laden down with ice, that new outages will happen. Many people are on their eighth day with out power , some people in outlying areas don't even have cell phones operational. Take care-GarryThings are not getting any better are they Garry? We had a thaw today. Generally good news for all! Guess what, it caused ice high in trees to fall down on newly restored power lines and take power out again for even MORE residences! Our forecast early next week is WAY below zero F as a daily HIGH and power is now not expected to be restored for 30 K homes until the new year. It just seems sick to wish these people a Happy New Year! Greg | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | Yes, Garry, from the news it seems NB is suffering the worst. The Toronto area is getting restored but mainly because power crews from all other areas including the northern States all came to the rescue as their resources permitted. I hope all these resources get transferred to your area now. You too, take care. Greg | ||
LD3 Greg |
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Expert Posts: 1906 Location: Ontario, Canada | In a gesture to close a thread, other than it is rotten cold outside , in our area, things are getting back to normal. I want to thank all concerned for their best wishes and thank you, Rosy, for posting those pics. A pic is worth a thousand words!! I just wasn't in a picture taking mood!! Happy New Year to all, Greg | ||
FIN ME |
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Expert Posts: 2788 Location: USA - KY | You're welcome, LD3 Greg! Very happy to hear that life is returning to normal for you! Glad to know! Thanks for the update! | ||
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