Major flooding reported as torrential downpours hit Toronto, GTA
Posted July 16, 2024 10:36 am.
Last Updated July 17, 2024 5:29 am.
Many roadways and some Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) stations were flooded on Tuesday as strong thunderstorms brought torrential downpours to Toronto and much of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
A rainfall warning was issued for Toronto, as Environment Canada warned of 125 millimetres of rain throughout the morning and afternoon. Canada’s weather agency said 40 millimetres of rain fell within the hour in some localized areas.
This forced the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to upgrade its flood watch to a flood warning just before noon.
“The TRCA advises that Environment Canada is forecasting extremely heavy rain for the City of Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Halton Hills — Milton, which are tracking eastward over southern Ontario from Tuesday morning into Tuesday evening with the potential to bring heavy rainfall amounts 125 mm in short periods of time,” the TRCA said.
“Total rainfall amounts will vary across the TRCA jurisdiction. Some of the TRCA watersheds have already received 10-70 mm of rain over the 3 hours. As a result, some low-lying areas have been flooded.”
Lanes were blocked on the westbound and eastbound portions of Lake Shore Boulevard from Newfoundland Road to beyond Ontario Drive. Lake Shore Boulevard was closed for several hours in both directions from British Columbia Road to Strachan Avenue.
“We’re receiving a high volume of 911 calls about the flooding in some areas of the city,” Toronto Police wrote on X. “911 is for emergencies involving serious medical problems or life-threatening situations.”
Toronto Fire says it received nearly 1,700 calls for service and was dispatched to almost 500 incidents between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., including over 50 elevator rescue calls, over 50 water calls, and over 20 people rescued from cars and buildings.
Meanwhile, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) confirmed that approximately 20 schools were without power following the storm, and some schools may also be impacted by flooding.
The TDSB says parents of students attending a summer school program, camp, or child care program in a school on Wednesday will hear directly from the program operator as early as possible in the morning should there be any impacts to program operations.
Water leaks through ceilings at Toronto City Hall
The southbound Don Valley Parkway (DVP) is closed from Bayview Avenue to the Gardiner Expressway.
The Gardiner Expressway west of Jarvis Street is almost entirely flooded, and reports indicate that Cherry and Yonge Streets were also greatly impacted by significant amounts of water in the area. Major flooding was also reported on the westbound portion of Highway 401 west of Highway 400 in the express.
Even Toronto celebrities had to deal with the consequences of the torrential downpours. Rap superstar Drake posted a video on social media of massive flooding, presumed to be in his Bridle Path mansion.
Photos of flooding:
TTC stations, GTA roadways affected by heavy rain
Several TTC stations were forced to close on Tuesday morning due to heavy rain, but all service has resumed.
GO Transit stated that some services were modified or delayed due to weather conditions. Delays, cancellations, and modifications are expected.
“In areas where there may be pooling water, please use extra caution and report any safety issues to staff on-site or by texting ‘help’ to 77777,” GO Transit said. “Your safety is our priority, and we will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates to your service as changes are made.”
Mississauga Fire Services said crews responded to an elevated number of emergency incidents related to flooding on Tuesday, while Peel Regional Police said authorities received reports of manhole covers lifting due to the volume of rain and advised motorists to be cautious.
Halton Regional Police noted that Guelph Line between Dundas Street and No. 1 Side Road was forced to close on Tuesday morning and urged motorists to use alternate routes.
Heavy rain experienced on Monday also caused similar flooding concerns across Toronto, affecting the Don Valley Parkway at Dundas Street, Lake Shore Boulevard at Rees Street, and Ontario Place.
The flooding has also affected Billy Bishop Airport after the pedestrian tunnel flooded, forcing its closure.
