Heavy rainfall is causing flooding on Toronto roadways and affecting transit service as a severe storm moves over the region.
The city is currently under a rainfall watch from Environment Canada, with a risk of thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain,” Environment Canada said.
Up to 75 millimetres of rain was expected to fall throughout the morning, 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.
Flood watch in effect for GTA
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 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) said.
The authority issued a flood watch on Tuesday morning, warning that the total rainfall expected could create “hazardous conditions” near bodies of water, including slippery and unstable river banks.
“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.
Flooding has also disrupted service on the TTC. Trains are not stopping at Spadina and St. Patrick stations on Line 1, as well as Pape Station on Line 2, due to flooding, the TTC said on Tuesday morning.
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.