Lawrence Avenue crossing the Humber River, connecting Weston Road and Scarlett Road. The water level had been completely over the bridge as a result of Hurricane Hazel. By the time this picture was taken, the main river was in its course, but was flowing very fast, so that it was banked up against the curve of the bluff, and there was a standing wave head-high above the level of the bank on this side of the river. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In 1954, Hurricane Hazel hit Toronto and the city was never the same. I was 2. The only memory I have of the event are family legends:
- Father was an invalid, unable to work, recovering from a life-threatening illness.
- Brother was 10, he bailed water, because the sump pump couldn’t keep up with the surge.
- Mother donned her mack and wellies to face the rain and wind en route to the only source of income for our family.
In response to the disaster the city changed the building codes, no building on flood plains. We have Hazel to thank for the riverside park system that we take for granted today. Watch this CBC report about the impact of the storm.
Sandy will make her presence known late this evening, with the peak hitting us Thursday morning. I am wagering she’ll be downgraded to a tropical storm by then. I’m not dismissing the possibility of a disastrous impact. By I’m calm, like the Nonagenarian. The city is prepared. We have advance warning. The cupboard is full, and bottled water is on hand.
OK – I do hope the plumbing holds up!
