Toronto and much of southern Ontario grappled with the effects of heavy rainfall on Wednesday, leading to flooded roadways, school closures, and widespread power outages. While Environment Canada lifted rainfall warnings for the city of Toronto itself in the afternoon, significant portions of the Greater Toronto Area and eastern Ontario remain under freezing rain warnings, with conditions expected to improve early this evening.
The downpour caused localized flooding across Toronto, prompting police to advise drivers to exercise extreme caution on several key routes, including the Gardiner Expressway near York Street, Lawrence Avenue E. And Railside Road in North York, Birchmount Road and Huntingwood Drive in Scarborough, and Northline Road and O’Connor Drive in East York. Authorities also warned residents to stay clear of rivers and creeks, which are experiencing higher than normal water levels due to melting snow and continued rainfall.
Road and Transit Disruptions
Toronto police reported several flooded roads throughout the city, urging drivers to slow down and allow extra travel time. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) experienced disruptions as well, with streetcar service temporarily suspended at the Dufferin Loop due to flooding. The 504 King streetcar line was diverted while crews worked to clear the area, and service was eventually restored. School buses in Toronto, Peel, and York Region faced delays of up to 60 minutes Wednesday morning due to the adverse weather conditions.
A “watershed conditions statement — flood outlook” remains in effect until Thursday at 11 p.m., according to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Spokesperson Afiya Jilani explained that the statement is issued when riverine flooding is “possible or expected,” and that flooding on roads should be reported directly to the respective municipality.
Power Outages and School Closures
The impact of the storm extended beyond Toronto. Eastbound lanes of Highway 401 at Holt Road and near Bowmanville Avenue were closed Wednesday morning due to multiple crashes and flooding, according to the Ontario Provincial Police. OPP Sergeant Kerry Schmidt cautioned drivers to avoid puddles, as they may conceal potholes, and to reduce their speed to prevent hydroplaning.
Approximately 1,172 homes and businesses in Barrie were without power Wednesday morning due to three separate outages, reported Alectra Utilities spokesperson Ashley Trgachef. Power was fully restored in Barrie by early afternoon. Although, more widespread outages impacted over 30,000 Hydro One customers across the province as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, particularly in central Ontario, including Minden, Bancroft, and Huntsville. Hydro One spokesperson Bianca Pizzo stated that crews are working to restore power “as quickly and safely as possible,” but cautioned that restoration times may be extended due to flooded and icy roads, and that further outages are possible overnight. Customers are encouraged to check the Hydro One outage map for updates and to prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies.
Schools were also affected, with all schools, child-care centres, and facilities within the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) closing due to ongoing freezing rain. The TLDSB serves students in Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Muskoka. TLDSB communications manager Carolynne Bull suggested students utilize the time to catch up on schoolwork or enjoy reading.
Environment Canada initially issued rainfall and freezing rain warnings for parts of southern Ontario on Wednesday.
As the rainfall tapers off in some areas, residents are urged to remain vigilant and monitor conditions. The ongoing flood outlook and potential for further power outages highlight the require for continued caution and preparedness.
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