Thousands of Toronto Hydro customers still without power after reports of downed trees and power lines

A severe thunderstorm with damaging winds and hail has hit Toronto and the GTA Wednesday afternoon.

Toronto Hydro is reporting thousands of people are still without power caused by severe storms Wednesday evening.

Toronto Hydro reported Thursday morning that around 6,000 homes and businesses were still in the dark, while the province’s Crown-owned power supplier, Hydro One, said more than 58,000 customers remained offline.

In a statement to CityNews, the city’s power utility said crews have restored power to approximately 90 per cent of its customers.

“Significant progress has been made and public safety remains our top priority. Crews continue to respond to safety hazards across the city, including downed powerlines and extensive damage caused by fallen trees and branches coming into contact with electrical infrastructure. In many locations, trees must be safely removed before repairs can begin.”

Power outages were reported at the Eaton Centre and on TMU’s campus, among other locations.

The City of Toronto’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated earlier Wednesday morning and Mayor Olivia Chow said city crews responded to some of the effects of the storm, including downed wires and trees.

Toronto police say emergency services received several reports of wires down and trees fallen in several locations across the city.

The CNE closed their grounds at 7 p.m. while concerts at the Bandshell were cancelled. The TLC and Salt-N-Peppa concert at the RBC amphitheatre was also cancelled and rescheduled for Sept. 11.

Several delays and cancellations were reported at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Those travelling Wednesday evening are encouraged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

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