Arab Canada News
News
Published: July 17, 2024
The bad weather caused record rainfall in Toronto and surrounding areas on Tuesday, leading to widespread flooding that resulted in road closures, disrupted transportation, and power outages.
Environment Canada reported that nearly 100 mm of rain fell in Toronto within three hours, which is more than the average rainfall for July of 71.6 mm.
As of 11 PM, the Don Valley Parkway remains closed to traffic, and 37,000 Toronto Hydro customers are still without power.
Here’s the latest update on the cleanup and power restoration efforts.
11:20 PM
Toronto Hydro stated that 37,000 customers are still without electricity as of 11 PM. Meanwhile, they confirmed that their crews are working overnight to restore power.
Hydro One stated in a post on X: “Despite the unknown factors that could affect repair efforts, we are continuing to work as quickly and safely as possible.” “We understand how difficult this situation is and sincerely appreciate your patience.”
10:30 PM.
Crews have begun removing debris on the Don Valley Parkway after floodwaters receded. The city said that the cleanup could take three to four hours.
Cars trapped by the flooding on the highway have been towed. It is unclear when the DVP will be reopened.
10:15 PM
In Mississauga, paramedics from Peel reported that evacuation efforts are ongoing at the Tyndall seniors' village after water from a nearby creek flooded the home due to the heavy rainfall.
Images from the scene show the ground floor of the nursing home partially submerged.
The Mississauga Fire Department reported that a building inspector has been notified. According to the Ministry of Health, the home, located near Eglinton Avenue and Tomken Road, has 151 licensed beds.
10:05 PM
Regular subway service on Line 2 has been resumed between Jane and Islington stations, following a power outage that suspended service on this portion of the line for most of the day.
Meanwhile, on Line 1, there is no subway service between Glencrest and Yorkdale stations due to a power outage.
10 PM
One person has been taken to the hospital after being rescued from Etobicoke Creek. Toronto Fire reported that the individual was stranded on an "island" created by fast-flowing water and was rescued with assistance from a Canadian Armed Forces helicopter.
No word on the person's condition. It is unclear how the individual ended up in the creek.
9:20 PM
While subway service has resumed at Union Station, Line 1 trains are bypassing Yorkdale and Lawrence West stations due to the power outage. TTC has stated that buses are operating between Wilson and Eglinton West stations.
TTC emphasizes: "We are still experiencing service impacts due to today's weather."
Subway service remains suspended on Line 2 between Islington and Jane stations due to the power outage. Shuttle buses are also operating.
TTC reminds passengers traveling on streetcars or buses to expect delays due to increased traffic and power outages across the city.
8:00 PM.
Toronto Hydro states that about 50,000 customers are still in the dark as crews continue to restore power to all residents. No specific time frame has been provided for when this will happen.
The outage is believed to have occurred due to flooding at the Hydro One transformer station. At the peak of the outage, 167,000 people were without electricity.
Hydro One confirmed that they have made progress in restoring power to Toronto Hydro, but one station that feeds the western end is still affected. The utility urged customers who have electricity to conserve as much as possible to reduce strain on the system.
7:35 PM
A rainfall warning is in effect for Hamilton as another round of thunderstorms is expected.
Environment Canada states that rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm are possible in a few locations. Affected locations also include Brantford, Norwich, Ancaster, Dundas, Caledonia, Scotland, Waterford, Ohsweken, and Hagersville.
The severe thunderstorm warning issued earlier this evening has been lifted, but a thunderstorm warning remains in effect.
7 PM
Cleanup is underway at Union Station after it was flooded earlier today. Crews were seen carrying brooms, mops, and a pump to remove the water.
Metrolinx states that disruptions, modifications, and cancellations are expected during the evening commute. The downtown transit hub also experienced a power outage earlier, further impacting operations. Many passengers were left waiting for trains for hours.
Meanwhile, TTC subway trains on Line 1 continue to bypass Union Station.
6:55 PM
Toronto Fire announced that over 20 people have been rescued from vehicles and buildings after responding to nearly 500 weather-related incidents between 6 AM and 3 PM. Of these, more than 50 were rescue calls.
Toronto Fire states that their communications staff received nearly 1,700 service calls.
6:45 PM
Lake Shore Boulevard has reopened between British Columbia Road and Strachan Avenue in both directions. The road was closed for much of the day due to flooding.
6 PM
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Hamilton, stating that meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm near St. George that could produce very strong wind gusts.
Environment Canada states: "Heavy localized rainfall is also possible."
5:45 PM
Onlookers are gathering along the DVP bridges at Dundas and Gerrard Streets to take a look and snap photos of the freeway submerged below. It is not yet clear exactly when the Don Valley Parkway will be reopened.
Comments