Do you remember where you were during the December 2013 ice storm?
The memorable storm started on Dec. 19 and lasted until Dec. 23, impacting Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, Maine, New England, New York, Michigan and Arkansas, according to The Weather Network.
The intense weather event covered many areas of the GTA in a thick coat of ice. While it was a beautiful sight, it also wreaked havoc on the city. The first blanket of ice hit Toronto on Dec. 20, before its twin struck on Dec. 22, the weather agency says. The storm included over 40 hours of freezing rain and more than 30 millimetres of ice.
According to the Canadian Disaster Database, two people died and 25 were injured in Southern Ontario, with the storm having an estimated total cost of $262,781,642.
Trees were coated in ice so thick that branches broke under the weight, blocking roads and damaging vehicles, homes and other structures. Power lines were also taken out by the storm, leaving 416,000 customers without power, with 500 wires down and two million trees damaged.
According to Toronto Hydro, there were 73,000 metres of service wire and 80,000 pieces of hardware that had to be replaced because of damage from the storm.
TORONTONIANS REFLECT ON THE 2013 ICE STORM
In commemoration of the event, some people have taken to X to reflect on where they were at the time.
“Meanwhile, I had my son on the 22,” shared one mother, adding that she was stuck in the hospital for days afterwards.
“Bruhhh! No power for days. Ordering pizza took 40 mins because everyone was doing the same thing. Black ice everywhere.”
“My mom made me walk to school that day and the principal laughed I was there and sent [me] back. Only fell 6-7 times walking 40 minutes total on pure ice,” shared another Torontonian.
One user compared this week’s balmy conditions to those ten years ago.
“10 years later and I’m stepping outside today with a windbreaker.”
