Exactly three years ago, in December 2013, a massive ice storm hit much of southern Ontario. There were over 600,000 power outages, and half of them - in Toronto. Loss of power means no electricity and no heating in the middle of the winter. Although Toronto residents knew about an upcoming ice storm, frankly, there isn't much human beings can do to prepare against such a natural disaster. 

Ice storm happens when two completely different fronts - warm (and wet) and cold - meet each other in winter. The result - up to 3 cm / 1.2 in of ice accumulated on surfaces. Thousands of tree branches, power lines, etc. got so much ice on them, so that they could not hold the weight and broke.

The waterfront along Lake Ontario was the hardest-hit area. 

The ice storm of 2013 had two waves - on Dec 20 and Dec 22. The second wave was particularly impactful and caused the majority of power outages. Despite the fact that electric companies restored power for most of the residents within 2-3 days, thousands of people still had no electricity up until Christmas and even after it. 

Over a dozen of warming centres across Toronto helped people with food, water, accommodation and other essentials. 

Hundreds of cars were damaged because of fallen trees and branches. Public transportation was greatly affected with all streetcar lines and some subway lines completely suspended.

But, and please forgive me those who suffered because of that ice storm, I have to admit that among other natural disasters that happen in North America, this ice storm was the most beautiful and very quiet one. And it truly was a photographer's paradise.