DVP reopens Thursday morning following extended closure due to flooding
Posted September 2, 2026 5:47 pm.
Last Updated September 3, 2026 9:37 am.
Flooding resulted in an extended closure of the Don Valley Parkway (DVP), with other streets in Toronto greatly impacted by Wednesday’s intense storm, including a stretch of the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard.
The intense weather brought torrential rain, large hail and the risk of a tornado to wide swaths of southern Ontario as skies darkened over downtown Toronto and hail pummelled neighbourhoods further north.
The southbound lanes of the DVP were closed from the Bayview off‑ramp to Don Roadway/Gardiner Expressway West but reopened just before 8 a.m. on Thursday.
The northbound DVP/eastbound Gardiner Expressway was closed from the Jarvis off‑ramp to the Royal Drive/Bloor on‑ramp but reopened after 9:15 a.m.
Other area streets that were closed as of midnight include:
- Bayview Avenue — Full closure from Pottery Road to Lawren Harris Square
- On‑ramps — The Bay, Don Roadway, Eastern, Queen, and Dundas on‑ramps, plus the Bayview Avenue on‑ramp to the southbound DVP, all closed
“Widespread power outages have been reported across the city, impacting several traffic signals. Residents are encouraged to treat these intersections as a four-way stop,” the City of Toronto said on Thursday morning.
Video on social media showed large hail falling and downpours flooding vehicles and bus stations, sending people running for cover.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued a flood warning on Wednesday evening, noting flooding had already been reported in the Don watershed at Bayview.
Michael Garron Hospital reported that its emergency department also experienced flooding. It was operational, but those with urgent but non-life-threatening health issues were asked to consider other options.
The OPP reported multiple road closures across the GTA, including Hwy. 407 eastbound at Keele Street in Vaughan, which was closed due to flooding in the area.
TTC subway trains were forced to bypass St. Patrick station and northbound at Union Station due to flooding on Wednesday. Operations have returned to normal across the TTC, the city says.
