- Damaging storms have caused significant flooding and power outages in Toronto, affecting tens of thousands of residents.
- Toronto Hydro reported about 65,000 customers without power on Wednesday, which decreased to about 17,000 by early Thursday; Hydro One reported roughly 52,000 customers still in the dark.
- Environment Canada lifted most severe weather alerts by 9 p.m. Wednesday, following the storm that caused flight delays and cancellations at Pearson airport, postponed the Salt-N-Pepa concert, and shut down the Canadian National Exhibition early.
- Michael Garron Hospital reported flooding in its emergency department but remained operational, and outside the city there were reports of damaged buildings including a destroyed roof in Brampton.
Severe storms ravaged southern Ontario on Wednesday, leading to widespread flooding and power outages, particularly in Toronto. As of early Thursday, approximately 17,000 customers were still without power, down from 65,000 the previous day, according to Toronto Hydro.23
An intense weather system unleashed torrential rain, large hail, and even the risk of a tornado across the region. Emergency alerts were issued as skies darkened over downtown Toronto, with hail damaging neighborhoods further north.
The storms caused significant damage to Rogers Stadium, a major concert venue, which reported “significant damage” but thankfully no injuries. Subway services were suspended due to flooding, and the smell of sewage lingered at Union Station hours after the flooding peaked.
Toronto police responded to multiple reports of fallen trees and downed power lines, while flooding submerged vehicles under overpasses. Long stretches of Yonge Street were also inundated, with water covering sidewalks.
In the east end, Michael Garron Hospital reported flooding in its emergency department but remained operational. The storm also caused flight delays at Pearson Airport and led to the postponement of a Salt-N-Pepa concert.45678
Environment Canada lifted most severe weather alerts by 9 p.m. Wednesday, but the aftermath of the storm continues to affect the region.
“Toronto Hydro reported about 17,000 customers still without power as of early Thursday, down from about 65,000 on Wednesday, while Hydro One reported roughly 52,000 in the dark. The storm also forced flight delays at Pearson airport, postponed the Salt-N-Pepa concert, and shut down the Canadian National Exhibition early.”
