5 Extreme weather events in York Region

Over the years there have been some extreme historic weather events

Yorkregion.com
July 30, 2018
Laura Finney

Summer 2018 has had some hot weather and bad storms, but over the years, there have been some extreme historic weather events in York Region, damaging homes, roads and, in some cases, inuring or killing people.

Here are five big events that had impact on residences.

1. Hurricane Hazel

Hurricane Haze hit southern Ontario on Oct. 15, 1954, dumping an estimated 300 million tonnes of rain on Toronto, washing out bridges and killing 81 people, including nine in Woodbridge. Hundreds more were left homeless. The estimated cost of the destruction in Canada was $100 million.

2. Vaughan tornadoes

In August of 2009, two F2 force tornadoes, with winds peaking at 240 km/h, struck parts of Vaughan, damaging 600 homes and leaving 44 units unsafe for occupancy. There were no injuries or deaths but the city was in a state of emergency for two days.

3. Ice storm of 2013

This storm hit southern Ontario at the end of Dec. 2013 and brought freezing rain and ice pellets that damaged trees and branches. More than 500,000 electricity users across Ontario lost power, including many in York Region. Several municipalities received money from the province’s Ice Storm Assistance Program.

4. Georgina tornado

On Aug. 13, 2016 an F1 tornado ripped through Georgina and caused damage to buildings and vehicles, flooding, downed trees and power outages. Winds were estimated to have been between 150 and 175 km/h.

5. 2007 drought

In the summer of 2007, southern Ontario was struck with very hot, dry weather. From May to September, Toronto received only 215 mm of rainfall, but it was even drier in York Region. Aurora’s rainfalls amounted to 136mm. The weather led to strict water bans across the region.