Is This the Result of Climate Change?

Last March 25, a severe thunderstorm hit our locality. Prior to that, we had two major snow storms, both of which dumped more than 12 inches of snow. The snow melted, seeped through the ground, and even before the water has sank to a deep enough level, the thunderstorm hit.

Because the soil was already loose enough, the wind need not be strong enough to topple the decades-old trees. But the wind was really strong and it wreaked havoc on our region.

Tree cut by the March 25 thunderstorm.

Then, last August 16, a storm, which lasted for just about 15 minutes, toppled trees, cut the electric power and the falling trees almost destroyed our house and our car. Because of the storm, the wife and I were displaced for two nights - the utilities guys thought that they needed to check the houses first before they can be declared safe to live in.

Now I don't know if this is really the result of climate change but this year we've had record snow fall, record single rain fall, the hottest summer to date and now two very strong storms that almost destroyed our house. I talked with some old folks who have lived for several decades in our town and they said that they haven't experienced anything like that before.

That's saying a lot.

Our car was almost hit by this tree. Good thing it was short enough... I was shooting through the window which was being battered by the rain.

There used to be two trees in front of our house.  Now there's only one.