Wild winds whip through Etobicoke

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Written by Jason Duck

Sunday, 26 April 2009 22:37

It was a crazy contrast from the 27 degree weather we were all enjoying on Saturday the 26th of April. The sun was out and the sky was blue, people were gardening and soaking up the sun.

At around 5p.m. things started to change. I was outside barbecuing and the sky went dark.

The wind had started to pick up through the afternoon, but when the sky darkened the wind seemed to kick into another gear. I heard a giant crack and the large willow trees that are in my neighbors garden lost a couple of its huge boughs and they started falling towards me.

My neighbors garden is now filled with these huge tree limbs, lying over the very area where they were enjoying a family lunch earlier that day.

Another neighbour of mine has had 4 similar experiences with this particular willow tree over the past few years. The last incident cost them about $9,000 which was caused by falling branches going through their roof. They are still trying to receive payment from the city after over a year of much communication. The city simply says to them that is is an "Act of God" and that the city is in no way responsible for any damage caused by this tree. But they have been in touch with the city many times warning them that this tree is dangerous and will cause damage if left untamed.

I am sure there are countless other similar stories regarding flying debris and falling trees, please send your stories along with any pictures you have.