World News
Severe thunderstorm hits Toronto, leaving tens of thousands without power
Torrential rain, hail, and high winds caused widespread transit disruptions, localized flooding, and flight delays across the region.
The short version
- A major storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hail to the Greater Toronto Area on Wednesday.
- At least 45,000 Toronto Hydro customers lost electricity, while road closures and transit disruptions affected commuters.
- Toronto Pearson International Airport reported flight delays and cancellations, and local facilities including a hospital emergency department experienced flooding.
- Emergency crews continue to clear debris and restore utilities as severe thunderstorm warnings for the immediate metropolitan area are lifted.
Key facts
- Toronto Hydro reported that at least 45,000 customers were without power as of Wednesday evening.[Al Jazeera]
- Severe flooding prompted road closures across the city, including on the Don Valley Parkway, and submerged vehicles in Vaughan.[Al Jazeera]
- Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow activated the municipal emergency operations centre to manage response efforts for downed wires, fallen trees, and flooding.[Al Jazeera]
- The emergency department at Michael Garron Hospital in East York was impacted by floodwaters.[Al Jazeera]
- Dozens of departures from Toronto Pearson International Airport were delayed or cancelled on Wednesday evening.[Al Jazeera]
- Environment and Climate Change Canada lifted its orange severe thunderstorm warning for the Greater Toronto Area while maintaining yellow heat and thunderstorm alerts in parts of southwestern Ontario.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- The total duration of power outages and full timeline for complete utility and transit restoration remain unconfirmed.[Al Jazeera]
- The extent of structural damage to buildings and infrastructure across the Greater Toronto Area has not yet been fully assessed.[Al Jazeera]