Sections of the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway have been forced to close due to flooding Tuesday afternoon.
Toronto received more than a month’s worth of rain over the span of a few hours amid a rainfall warning from Environment Canada that called for “extremely heavy rain” with the potential for 125 millimetres in some areas.
More rain is expected between 6 p.m. and midnight.
The following roads are currently closed in Toronto:
- DVP from Bloor/Bayview Avenue to Gardiner Expressway in both directions
- Gardiner Expressway from DVP to Jarvis in both directions
- Lake Shore Blvd from British Columbia Rd to Strachan Ave in both directions.
- Bayview Ave from River St to just north of Queen St E in both directions
Other roads are experiencing heavy traffic due to the closures as well.
Provincial police say Highway 410 southbound under Highway 401 is closed due to flooding. It is expected to be closed for the next 24 hours for cleanup.
“We have reports of multiple locations across the GTA with highways flooding due to the heavy rain. Please drive to the conditions, slow down and put your full headlight system on,” read a tweet from OPP.
In Mississauga, several roads and trails have been closed due to flooding as well. A full list can be found on their website.
Firefighters are in the midst of checking almost 50 cars on Queen Frederica Drive to ensure nobody is stranded in the vehicles. Several rescues are ongoing throughout the city.
They also urge everyone to stay away from stormwater facilities, conduits, streams, and rivers, as many are either at peak levels or have overflowed.
Toronto Pearson said the flooding has affected some of the roadways surrounding the airport as well.
Convair Drive is closed in both directions between Britannia Road East and Flightline Drive, and will remain closed for approximately two days to allow water to clear.
Travellers are asked to use alternate routes to travel to the airport. Airport operations have not been affected.
TTC, GO trains also affected
Trains were bypassing several TTC stations on Tuesday due to heavy rain, but a majority of service has since resumed. There’s currently no service between Jane and Kipling due to a power failure.
The TTC said the Yorkdale Mall entrance was closed on Tuesday as a result.
Several bus and streetcar routes are on diversion across the city due to water pooling on the roads.
GO Transit issued a statement saying some services may be modified or delayed due to weather conditions. Delays, cancellations, and modifications are expected.
Some Lakeshore West trains have been cancelled and trains are currently not stopping at Exhibition or Long Branch.
“In areas where there may be pooling water, please use extra caution, and report any safety issues to staff on site or by texting ‘help’ to 77777,” GO Transit said.
“Your safety is our priority, and we will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates to your service as changes are made.”