‘Frankenstorm’ Weather System Forecast To Trouble Windsor-Essex

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With a combination of a hurricane, a wintery cold front moving towards the East coast of North America and high pressure near Greenland that prevents Hurricane Sandy from moving out to sea, the internet-dubbed ‘Frankenstorm’ is about to produce a serious storm blast to much of the eastern portion of Canada and the United States — including Windsor.

Environment Canada issued a Wind Warning early this morning and already we’ve seen high winds in Windsor-Essex. While the eye of Hurricane Sandy isn’t forecast to head toward Windsor, the storm and its combining factors reach more than a thousand kilometers in diameter and sunny skies are not expected over the next 24 hours.

The City of Windsor has released a statement urging citizens to take precautions and know how to solve problems as the storm intensifies.

The City says wind gusts of up to 100 km/hr are possible this evening and tomorrow and there is a possibility for downed trees and branches, and the potential for traffic signals, construction signs or any other free standing signs to be damaged or blown around by the high winds.

If you find traffic signals or signs displaced or in the roadway, the City urges you to call 311 or Windsor Police after hours at 519-258-6111. The City says if traffic lights are out, motorists are reminded to treat the intersection as a four way stop. Home owners are also asked to secure any loose objects in their yards.

The City of Windsor’s Parks and Recreation department plans to prioritize tree damage with clearing the roadways as the first priority and then removing broken branches in trees. The City is responsible for trees in the front of property usually within 33-feet from the middle of the roadway. All backyard trees and shrubs outside the 33-foot boundary are the responsibility of the homeowner. If residents need to request a service call for tree damage, they can call 311. Furthermore, 311 will remain open for extended hours until 10pm and will open again at 7am.

EnWin Utilities is responsible for fallen power lines. If you see a downed power line, you’re asked to call Enwin at (519) 255-2727.

Given the potential for power outages, Enwin Utilities says it’s wise to assemble a “72 hour emergency kit” of essential supplies, such as flashlight, batteries, a portable radio, diapers, prescription medications, a full tank of gas and plenty of bottled water.

If a power outage hits, Enwin recommends turning off all computers, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners and other devices not being used and that you follow the Ontario Fire Marshall’s fire safety rules for use of candles or lanterns.

Enwin has a few other general tips which include checking frequently to see that neighbours, especially the elderly, are safe; keeping fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage to protect food supplies; and they recommend that you stay home unless you need to travel, and stay away from downed power lines.

Call Enwin Utilities immediately at (519) 255-2727 if you spot broken wires, tree limbs on lines, sparking electrical equipment or fire at the transformer.

Stay safe, Windsor!