- Toronto reels from floods and power cuts after severe storms
- Record rainfall from three huge storms has flooded parts of Toronto, cut power and left drivers stranded on the major motorway
- Environment Canada reported that almost 100mm (4in) of rain fell on Toronto on Tuesday
- Images and videos showed severe flooding across the city, cars nearly submerged, and water cascading down the staircases at Union Station
Toronto reels from floods and power cuts after severe storms
Record rainfall from three massive storms has flooded parts of Toronto, cutting power and stranding drivers on major motorways. Environment Canada reported nearly 100mm (4 inches) of rain fell on Tuesday, breaking the city’s daily record set in 1941. Images showed severe flooding, submerged cars, and water pouring down staircases at Union Station.
Pop star Drake posted a video on Instagram showing his Toronto home, partially submerged in brown water. The storm left over 167,000 customers without power, according to Toronto Hydro. Several flights were delayed or cancelled at Billy Bishop Airport.
Flooding blocked the Don Valley Parkway and Ontario Highway 410, with police expecting the closures to last another day for cleanup. Authorities rescued at least 14 people, including one from their car’s roof. Toronto’s fire service received numerous calls from people trapped in elevators due to power outages.
Torontonians are dealing with massive flooding and power outages around the city following heavy rainfall Tuesday afternoon. #toronto #onstorm https://t.co/m0liUflHAG pic.twitter.com/PVySEuTjuD
— Now Toronto (@nowtoronto) July 16, 2024
Meteorologists attributed the record rainfall to three consecutive storms. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority warned of flooding risks near shorelines, rivers, and streams. Mayor Olivia Chow said the city is investing in cleanup efforts to prevent future flooding. This storm echoes a costly July 2013 storm that left 300,000 people without power and stranded over 1,000 train passengers.