July 2022 Storm Clean Up

On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Pelham area as conditions were favourable for developing severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail. Wind gusts up to 100 km/h were expected.

During the evening of July 20, beginning at approximately 10:30 pm, the storm began to impact areas within Pelham. High winds and heavy rain were experienced until midnight.

The storm cell impacted localized areas within Pelham municipality (indicated in the image above), and several areas received extensive damage due to high winds and falling trees. Several hydro poles were damaged and resulted in the loss of power to area residents. Both electricity providers that service the Pelham area dispatched crews to attend to the sites. Full service is expected to return to all areas today.

Town staff clean-up crews were activated to work with Hydro providers, the volunteer fire services, and contractors to clear debris from the main roadways as quickly and safely as possible.

The clean-up from the storm's impact continues and is expected to be completed within the coming weeks. The volume of debris was significant, and the debris removal will continue to be time-consuming. Town staff are working through all calls for service for downed limbs and trees in a priority sequence.

Debris will be moved to areas off the roadways, and collection teams will return to remove collected materials after the priority clean-up is completed.

Please exercise caution on roadways and when moving on sidewalks and pathways throughout the Town.

Update July 22, 2022 - The clean up crew will be making their way systematically through the Town and will continue during the coming weeks. Limbs and branch material from municipal tress that are left at the roadside will be addressed as the clean up crew moves through the impacted areas. It is anticipated that due to the volume of debris, removal will continue to be time-consuming and delays are expected.

Update July 25, 2022 - Residents with private tress on their property that require removal of branches, limbs or full tree and stump removal can contact local arborists or tree removal services. The Town of Pelham clean-up crews are focusing on municipal trees and infrastructure only. Niagara Regional waste sites,

including the Humberstone Landfill will accept branches and yard waste free of charge.

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Report a problem with downed trees or broken limbs either via email at publicworks@pelham.ca or through the online system at www.pelham.ca/psr

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Are you prepared for a prolonged power outage or emergency situation?

Emergency preparedness can help increase knowledge and reduce risks in the event of an unforeseen event. Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Some individuals may not have the support or capacity to deal with emergencies. Reach out to family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable or unable to support themselves during an emergency.

The first 72 hours are the most critical in any emergency situation. The Town of Pelham 72-Hour Emergency Guide provides steps to be better prepared for the different kinds of emergencies that can impact residents.

It was developed to help residents be prepared in the event of an emergency.