Toronto is under a severe thunderstorm watch Wednesday, Environment Canada says, with flooding now being reported in several areas of the city.
The weather agency’s forecast says torrential downpours with 50 millimetres of rain falling within an hour and strong winds up to 90 km/h are possible.
After last week’s powerful storm caused severe flooding in the city, more problems with pooling water were reported Wednesday afternoon.
Toronto police warned of flooding in the northbound and southbound lanes of the Don Valley Parkway at the Bloor Viaduct, with one lane fully under water. Support crews were being sent to the scene, police said.
Police also reported flooding on Lakeshore Boulevard at Ontario Drive, with one eastbound lane completely under water for a short period, officials said on X, formerly Twitter. The roadway was reported as fully open again a little after 3:30 p.m.
Today’s rainfall has caused ponding on some roads, including the DVP & Lake Shore Blvd. <br>City crews are working hard to keep traffic moving. Never drive through flooding or ponding. <br>Use extra caution and allow additional time to reach your destination.
—@cityoftoronto
Similarly, TTC officials said subway trains were not stopping at St. Patrick Station due to flooding, while the bridge between Yorkdale Station and Yorkdale Shopping Centre was also closed.
Trains were also not stopping at Osgoode Station Wednesday afternoon, the TTC said.
Wednesday’s storm developed due to a cold front that swept through the area starting in the late morning through the afternoon, according to Environment Canada.
“Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” the weather agency said in a statement.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.”
Officials warn people should take cover if threatening weather approaches.