Watertown’s Disaster Waiting to Happen: The Hidden Danger of Trees and Power Lines
By Hans Wilder, West Palm Beach
It’s time we face a growing problem in Watertown, NY—the dangerous combination of tall trees and power lines that hang precariously above our streets. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent due to climate change, we’re setting ourselves up for disaster.
Imagine this: an ice storm hits, coating trees with thick layers of ice. The weight bends branches, and soon enough, they snap. Those branches don’t just hit the ground—they crash onto rooftops, potentially killing people or causing major damage. And if the trees fall on power lines, they could spark fires, turning a storm into a tragedy.
This isn’t an exaggerated worst-case scenario; it’s a very real risk. We’ve seen how extreme weather can wreak havoc on communities, from flooding to wildfires. Just look at the recent wildfires in California. Leaders there were slow to act on the risks posed by the dry climate and poorly maintained infrastructure. Now, they’re facing the consequences, with entire neighborhoods destroyed because they didn’t take the threat seriously enough. Watertown doesn’t want to be in the same position, looking back and wishing we’d acted sooner.
City leaders need to take immediate action. This isn’t just about improving the city’s appearance—it’s about protecting lives and preventing a tragedy that could easily be avoided. Let’s stop this disaster before it becomes a reality. It’s time to get those power lines underground, trim the trees, and make Watertown safer for everyone. #WatertownSafety #ClimateChangeReality #Don’tWaitUntilIt’sTooLate
