Toronto Faces Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: City Responds to Ongoing Crisis
Toronto – The City of Toronto is grappling with severe weather conditions following a heavy rainfall event that dumped over 100 mm of rain in some areas. As of 5:30 p.m. today, several significant updates have emerged regarding the city’s response to the flooding crisis.
Rainfall and Flooding Impact
Environment and Climate Change Canada has lifted the rainfall warning, but the effects of the storm continue to be felt across Toronto. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority reported over 100 mm of rain in localized areas. Despite a brief lull in rainfall, the city’s infrastructure is still under strain. The City’s 311 service is inundated with calls, with over 700 reports of basement flooding.
Toronto Police Service is actively responding to emergency calls, primarily assisting individuals trapped in elevators or navigating road flooding. Fortunately, the city’s water supply and wastewater treatment facilities are not experiencing significant impacts.
Several Toronto Public Health clinics, including six dental clinics and a breastfeeding clinic, have been closed due to flooding. Additionally, numerous community centers and park amenities, such as outdoor pools, are temporarily closed. Residents are advised to consult the City’s service alerts for the latest updates: Service Alerts.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads, and localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
We recommend residents avoid the following areas due to flooding:
– Lake Shore Boulevard near Ontario Place
– Westbound Bloor Viaduct Bike LanesResidents… pic.twitter.com/YUmJhWpfXl
— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) July 16, 2024
Power Outages
Toronto Hydro reports approximately 109,000 customers without power, down from a peak of 167,000. Restoration efforts are ongoing in collaboration with Hydro One, but no estimated restoration times are available. For safety advice during power outages, residents can visit Toronto Hydro’s Outage Page.
Public Transit Disruptions
Public transit is also affected, with significant disruptions reported. Union Station has been flooded, impacting access to several areas including the food court. TTC trains are bypassing Union Station, and there is currently no service between Islington and Jane stations on Line 2, though shuttle buses are operational. For updates on TTC services, check the TTC Service Alerts webpage.
Road Closures
Several major roadways are closed due to flooding:
- Lake Shore Boulevard is closed between Strachan Avenue and British Columbia Road.
- The Don Valley Parkway has closures in both directions between Gerrard Street and Dundas Street, with further closures southbound and northbound.
- The Gardiner Expressway is closed between Jarvis Street and the Don Valley Parkway.
- Bayview Avenue is closed between River Street and Pottery Road.
Detailed maps of road closures can be found at Toronto Road Restrictions.
City’s Response and Resident Advice
The City of Toronto’s storm readiness plan is in full effect, with crews working around the clock to address flooding. Residents are encouraged to help by clearing catch basins near their homes and reporting significant water accumulation to 311.
Homeowners are advised to move valuables to higher levels and ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear. In the event of basement flooding, residents should avoid entering flooded basements, disconnect power if safe, and contact their insurance company.
For more information on basement flooding and protective measures, visit Toronto Basement Flooding.
As Toronto navigates these challenging conditions, residents are urged to stay safe, avoid driving through flooded areas, and be patient with service delays. The City and emergency services are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all residents.
