Toronto, July 16, 2024 – Significant flooding has led to multiple road closures and disruptions across Toronto, with portions of the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) and Lake Shore Boulevard severely affected. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning, predicting up to 125 millimetres of rain, with the possibility of 40 millimetres per hour.
Current Situation:
12:50 PM: Toronto Fire Deputy Chief Jim Jessop reports triple the usual call volume due to the summer storm’s flooding.
12:45 PM: Union Station is experiencing flooding, with water pooling in a corridor leading to the Bay Street GO concourse.
12:35 PM: All southbound lanes of the DVP are blocked from Bayview Avenue to the Gardiner Expressway. Bayview Avenue is closed in both directions from River Street to north of Queen Street.
12:30 PM: The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood outlook, warning of local ponding and pooling in low-lying areas. They emphasize the danger of all shorelines, rivers, and streams due to rapidly changing water levels.
12:15 PM: Peel Regional Police report numerous flooded roads, particularly under overpasses and in low-lying areas. York Region Police urge residents to avoid Pine Valley Drive at Embassy Drive, Victoria Park Avenue at Steeles Avenue, Woodbine Avenue at Denison Street, and Steeles Avenue at Highway 404.
11:30 AM: The TTC is bypassing St. Patrick and Pape stations due to flooding.
11:20 AM: Ontario Provincial Police report multiple flooded highways and urge drivers to slow down and heed the conditions.
10:00 AM: Footage from CP24 shows water ponding on eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard near Ontario Place, causing traffic delays.
Key Locations Affected:
- Lake Shore Boulevard closed from British Columbia Road to Strachan Avenue.
- Two left lanes blocked on the northbound DVP at Dundas Street.
- Southbound DVP blocked from Bayview Avenue to the Gardiner Expressway.
- Bayview Avenue closed from River Street to north of Queen Street.
Safety Advisory:
The public is advised to avoid traveling in affected areas and to be cautious of rapidly rising water levels. All shorelines, rivers, and streams should be considered dangerous. The heavy rain is expected to continue, exacerbating the current conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.