- UPDATE: The CBC Broadcasting Centre has lost power so the live video may encounter technical difficulties. We’re doing our best to bring you the latest. The mayor’s news conference has been delayed by some 20 minutes, so hopefully we will be back up and running at that time.
Heavy rainfall is causing flooding on Toronto roadways and affecting transit service as a severe storm moves over the region.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the city, with a risk of thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening.
- Mayor Olivia Chow is expected to speak with reporters at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday about the flooding across the city. You’ll be able to watch live in this story.
Up to 110 millimetres of rain is expected to fall on Tuesday, with rainfall rates of 40 mm/h possible at some points.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts,” the rainfall warning said.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) issued a flood warning on Tuesday afternoon, saying that the total rainfall expected could create “hazardous conditions” near bodies of water, including slippery and unstable river banks.
All shorelines, rivers and streams in the GTA should be considered dangerous as heavy rainfall could result in higher flows, erosion and rapidly changing water levels, the (TRCA) said.
“Please exercise caution if you must be around any bodies of water, rivers or streams as well as the Lake Ontario shoreline,” the TRCA said.
WATCH | Flooding in Union Station as Toronto sees heavy rainfall:
Union Station’s Bay Concourse Hall is dealing with flooding as a result of Tuesday’s torrential rainfall.
Meanwhile, Peel police warned drivers that downpours were causing manhole covers to lift out of place.
They urged drivers to be cautious and use the full headlight system on their vehicles.
Toronto Pearson said a section of Convair Drive, near the airport, is closed due to flooding. However, there is no flooding at the airport and there are no flight disruptions at this point.
People travelling to the airport are advised to map out their route to avoid any road closures and give themselves extra time to arrive safely, the airport said.
Transit disruptions
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TTC, Line 1: Trains not stopping at St. Patrick station, Lawrence station, Union station;
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TTC, Line 2: Trains not stopping at Pape station;
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GO Transit, Kitchener line: Trains will start and end at Malton GO. Buses are being arranged for missed stops;
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GO Transit, Lakeshore West line: Long Branch GO and Exhibition GO will be bypassed.
Several bus routes are being diverted due to flooding. A full list of service disruptions can be found on the TTC website.
Road closures
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Highway 401, eastbound ramp to Mavis Road
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Lake Shore Blvd. from British Columbia Road to Strachan Ave.
- Section of Convair Drive.
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Southbound Don Valley Parkway from Bayview Ave. to Gardiner Expressway
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Bayview Ave. from River Street to north of Queen St. East in both directions