Large portions of Ottawa’s west end still bear the effects of a thunderstorm that brought strong winds, hail, and rain.
On Friday, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area, followed by a brief tornado warning.
The storm cut power to 10,000 Hydro Ottawa customers that evening. It also brought down trees and damaged vehicles and properties.
A few days after the storm, the city has begun to respond to the full impact of the severe weather.
Chris Therrier, an insurance broker at the World Financial Group Insurance Agency, spoke with CBC News and said 2023 is already proving to be busier than last year.
“I would say a lot of claims,” he said in his interview. “I don’t have a number and data but from what we’ve seen there are many damages and many claims still getting addressed.”
Ottawa officials have reportedly received more than 110 tree-related service requests.
“City staff have been working diligently to ensure roads and sidewalks are accessible and that immediate hazards are removed,” said Jim Lethbridge, area manager of emergency planning and response. “Crews have addressed priority service requests and have completed road patrols to identify streets and sidewalks requiring sweeping operations.”
Joe Frangione of Bemac Auto Body said that about 50 damaged vehicles have been brought to his shop since Friday afternoon and that he expects “a lot more” to come in soon. He estimated the average cost of repairs to be $7,000 to $10,000 per person.
“It's case-by-case and it all depends on replacing panels. It's really difficult to say right now,” Frangione told CBC News.
Ottawa isn’t the only place to have been impacted by severe weather lately. During the same week, Manitoba witnessed a barrage of hail, rain, and powerful winds. MPI earlier reported receiving over 1,200 claims following the storm.
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