Many Toronto neighbourhoods are dealing with power outages as heavy rainfall continues to hit the city Tuesday afternoon.
According to Toronto Hydro, numerous areas are currently facing blackouts, and it is unclear what time power will be restored.
We’re currently responding to widespread outages due to a loss of supply affecting large areas throughout the city. We’re currently working with @HydroOne to restore power. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. https://t.co/U0mKbJ0Di7
— Toronto Hydro (@TorontoHydro) July 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Toronto police is asking residents not to call 911 about flooding and only to contact it in an emergency. If the matter is not urgent call 311 for city services.
We’re receiving a high volume of 911 calls about the flooding in some areas of the city. 911 is for emergencies involving serious medical problems or life-threatening situations.
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) July 16, 2024
If the matter is not urgent, contact 311 for city services or report online, https://t.co/La2EmLoTYU. pic.twitter.com/gBDCMlv2jM
The rainfall has caused many parts of the city to flood.
A resident shared a video of Union Station flooded after heavy rainfall hit the city as commuters struggled to get to their destination.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow assured residents of the city in a tweet that Toronto Emergency Management has been activated, and crews are working to “restore power and clear debris so water can drain,” and emergency services continue to work as usual.
“Toronto continues to experience the impacts of severe flooding and power outages across the city…Please use extra caution when navigating the city and stay safe,” she added.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) issued a flood warning for all rivers in the GTA until midnight, urging people to avoid going near water areas.
In addition, Environment Canada is forecasting thunderstorms with the potential for heavy rainfall amounts of 50-60 mm in short periods throughout the day.
While the TRCA reports normal water levels at Lake Ontario’s shoreline, the city is advising residents to avoid Lake Shore Boulevard near Ontario Place and the Westbound Bloor Viaduct bike lanes due to flooding conditions.
Lake Shore Blvd. from British Columbia Rd. to Strachan Ave. has been closed in both directions, Toronto police tweeted Tuesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is also experiencing delays and diversions on a number of routes. Due to flooding at Union, St. Patrick and Pape Stations, trains are not stopping at either of the two stations with elevators and escalators being shut down at Pape Station.
“Line 2 subway service is suspended between Jane & Kipling; shuttle buses are in operation,” TTC tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.
Residents react to thunderstorms, flooding in Southern Ontario
The storm, which began Monday morning, has led many residents to share videos on social media.
One TikTok user posted footage from Lakeshore Boulevard near Ontario Place, showing the Gardiner Expressway reduced to two lanes, worsening traffic conditions.
A driver was also seen abandoning his vehicle in the middle of the road as it became submerged in water on Lake Shore.
Another user posted visuals of a flooded road at Lake Shore Boulevard near Ontario Place.
A Loblaws store in Leaside reportedly had to close its doors after a major roof leak due to heavy rainfall on Tuesday morning.
A tunnel near King Street and Atlantic Avenue, which is currently under construction for Toronto Transit Commission works, was also seen flooded by the heavy rainfall.
Another Toronto resident shared a video on X of the Don River flooding the DVP at Richmond Street on Tuesday afternoon.
A Mississauga resident also shared visuals of their sister’s backyard, which is struggling to handle the heavy rain.
On Monday night, drivers heading to the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Budweiser Stage shared videos on social media cautioning people to leave early amid tough driving conditions.
The TRCA recommends reporting flooding incidents from watercourses by leaving a message on their floodline number at 416-661-6514 or calling 911 if you are in immediate danger.
