Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20Ice accumulations on branches can increase branch weight up to 30 times and cause even large branches to break, severely affecting tree growth. Damages to your home may result from falling branches, power lines could be downed and roadways blocked. Unfortunately this could mean increased power outages and restricted access to your property via cottage roads in severe weather. Melting and freezing of water in variable temperatures can cause ice jams which may result in flooding of natural creeks and rivers. Historically, in Southern Ontario we have experienced a single spring melt, when the majority of the winter snow and accumulation melts. During this period rivers and lakes are at capacity, and if overwhelmed can cause potentially dangerous situations. More recently due to variable temperatures, spring melt is not necessarily happening all at once and not necessarily happening only in the spring. There is also evidence that rising air and water temperatures may contribute to more tornado activity in areas not previously prone to this type of activity.15 Warmer winters and variable temperatures will make winter activities even more unpredictable and dangerous. Extreme weather events present both health and safety risks and can result in property loss, environmental damage, insurance claims, costly repairs and maintenance. 15. Sills,D.,V.Cheng,P.McCarthy,B.,Rousseau,J.,Waller,L.Elliot,J.Klaassen and Hauld.2012.Using tornado,lightning and population data to identify tornado prone areas in Canada.26th AMS Conference on Severe Local Storms,Nashville,TN, American Meteorological Society Paper,59. 12 Patrick Hodge K. Doughty K. Doughty