Toronto is grappling with significant floods and widespread power outages after three massive storms unleashed record rainfall on the city. Nearly 100mm (4 inches) of rain fell on Tuesday, breaking the previous daily record set in 1941, according to Environment Canada.
The heavy downpour led to severe flooding across Toronto, with images and videos showing cars nearly submerged, water cascading down staircases at Union Station, and severe disruptions to transportation. Pop star Drake shared a video on Instagram showing his Toronto home, “The Embassy,” partially flooded.
More than 167,000 Toronto Hydro customers were left without power. The storms also caused delays and cancellations of several flights at Billy Bishop Airport on the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario. Major roadways, including the Don Valley Parkway and Ontario Highway 410, were closed due to flooding. Authorities have rescued at least 14 people, including one individual stranded on their car’s roof.
Toronto’s fire services responded to numerous calls from people trapped in elevators due to power outages in the city center during working hours.
Meteorologist Dave Phillips explained to local news station CP24 that the record rainfall resulted from three consecutive storms, delivering 25 percent more rain in three hours than the city typically sees in the entire month of July.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has issued warnings about flooding risks in areas near shorelines, rivers, and streams. With over a dozen rivers and streams, Toronto is particularly vulnerable to rising water levels.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed concerns about why the Don Valley Parkway, known for its flood risk, was not closed earlier. She emphasized that the city is heavily investing in clean-up efforts to prevent future flooding.
Toronto has experienced severe weather events before, notably an intense storm in July 2013, which left 300,000 people without power and required the rescue of over 1,000 passengers from a flooded train.
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