- Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and much of southern Ontario, warning of heavy rain, large hail, and a tornado risk.
- Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has activated the city's emergency management task force in anticipation of the severe weather.
- The CNE has paused all outdoor activities and high rides due to the severe weather conditions.
- Flooding has been reported in Toronto following the passage of thunderstorms that brought heavy rain.
- This morning, passing storms brought lightning and heavy rain to various parts of Ontario.
- Environment Canada has indicated that conditions are favorable for strong thunderstorms to develop this afternoon ahead of an advancing cold front.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and much of southern Ontario, with Environment Canada warning of torrential rain, damaging winds, and large hail. The weather office indicates conditions are favorable for strong thunderstorms to develop this afternoon ahead of an advancing cold front.16
The severe orange alert stretches from near Sarnia east to Peterborough and north to Barrie, with areas such as Windsor and parts of cottage country under a yellow watch. Environment Canada warns that hard-hit areas could see wind gusts up to 110 kilometres an hour and ping pong-sized hail.
The agency stated, “Local utility outages are likely. Damage to roofs, fences, soft shelters or trees is likely. Heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility.”45
As of 4 p.m., a line of severe thunderstorms was moving from King City to Caledon to Orangeville, traveling southeast at 35 km/h. The storms could bring up to 50 millimetres of rain in local areas, with the primary concern being strong and potentially damaging winds along with large hail and torrential rain. Environment Canada also noted that conditions could become favorable for some thunderstorms to produce a tornado.
In response to the severe weather, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has paused all outdoor activities, stating, “Due to severe weather all high rides and outdoor program activities will also be paused until further notice.”3
“Environment Canada says conditions could produce 'dangerous' thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, with wind gusts up to 110 km/h and hail the size of ping pong balls. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow activated the city's emergency management task force, urging residents to check downspouts to prevent flooding.”
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