Toronto is under a severe thunderstorm watch, Environment Canada says, with flooding reported Wednesday afternoon in several areas of the city.
The weather agency’s forecast said torrential downpours with 50 millimetres of rain falling within an hour and strong winds up to 90 km/h were possible. Environment Canada says the strongest thunderstorms in the system have moved to the east, but some storms may still become severe in the early evening.
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 for a period of time Wednesday afternoon. Police said shortly after 4:30 p.m. that city crews attended and cleaned up the area, and all lanes have since reopened.
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.
Water also forced trains to not stop at Osgoode Station for a period of time Wednesday afternoon, the TTC said, but that issue has since been resolved.
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.