- 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.
Multiple power outages have been reported across Toronto as a severe storm brings widespread flooding and heavy rain to the region.
According to the Toronto Hydro outage map, more than 50,000 customers were affected across the city early Tuesday afternoon.
- 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.
Toronto Hydro said crews are working on the outages but they do not have an estimated restoration time. Residents are asked to avoid downed wires and call 911 if they see any.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the city, with a risk of thunderstorms continuing in the afternoon and evening.
Roadways in many parts of the city were flooded, while TTC and GO Transit service was also disrupted. Flooding also shut all lanes southbound on the Don Valley Parkway, at Bayview Avenue and Bloor Street.
Toronto Fire said they rescued two people from flooding at Bayview Avenue and Don Valley Parkway, one from inside their vehicle and another from the roof of their car.
Two left lanes have been blocked northbound on the Don Valley Parkway at Dundas Street E. due to flooding,
Up to 110 millimetres of rain was expected to fall on Tuesday, with rainfall rates of 40 mm/h possible at some points, Environment Canada said.
“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.
The relentless downpours caused significant flooding in some parts of the city, especially in low-lying areas close to Lake Ontario.
Near the corner of King Street W. and Atlantic Avenue W., a stretch road historically prone to flash flooding, abandoned heavy construction machinery and a pickup truck were seen half submerged in water.
Several inches of water also accumulated in areas of Union Station, the city’s biggest transit hub, with water from inside cascading down exterior staircases.
The scenes were reminiscent of the major flood that hit the city in July 2013.
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 International Airport said a section of Convair Drive, near the airport, was closed due to flooding. However, there was no flooding at the airport and there are no flight disruptions reported.
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.
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TTC, Line 1: No service between St. George and King stations.
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TTC, Line 2: No service between Kipling and Jane stations, shuttle buses on the way.
Several bus and streetcar 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,