Many roadways and some Toronto subway stations were flooded on Tuesday morning as strong thunderstorms brought torrential downpours to much of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
A rainfall warning was issued for Toronto, as Environment Canada warned of 125 millimetres of rain throughout the morning and afternoon. Canada’s weather agency said 40 millimetres of rain fell within the hour in some localized areas.
This forced the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to upgrade its flood watch to a flood warning just before noon.
“The TRCA advises that Environment Canada is forecasting extremely heavy rain for the City of Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Halton Hills — Milton, which are tracking eastward over southern Ontario from Tuesday morning into Tuesday evening with the potential to bring heavy rainfall amounts 125 mm in short periods of time,” the TRCA said.
“Total rainfall amounts will vary across the TRCA jurisdiction. Some of the TRCA watersheds have already received 10-70 mm of rain over the 3 hours. As a result, some low-lying areas have been flooded.”
Lanes were blocked on the westbound and eastbound portions of Lake Shore Boulevard from Newfoundland Road to beyond Ontario Drive. Lake Shore Boulevard is now closed in both directions from British Columbia Road to Strachan Avenue.
“We’re receiving a high volume of 911 calls about the flooding in some areas of the city,” Toronto Police wrote on X. “911 is for emergencies involving serious medical problems or life-threatening situations.”
Water leaks through ceilings at Toronto City Hall
The southbound Don Valley Parkway (DVP) was closed from Bayview Avenue to the Gardiner Expressway.
The Gardiner Expressway west of Jarvis Street is almost entirely flooded, and reports indicate that Cherry and Yonge Streets were also greatly impacted by significant amounts of water in the area. Major flooding has also been reported on the westbound portion of Highway 401 west of Highway 400 in the express.
Photos of flooding:
TTC stations, GTA roadways affected by heavy rain
St. Patrick Station was forced to close on Tuesday morning due to heavy rain. A spokesperson also said eastbound trains were bypassing Christie Station. Other TTC stations, including Spadina and Pape, were impacted.
“Due to the heavy rain, we are experiencing delays and diversions on a number of routes,” TTC customer service wrote on X. “Trains are also bypassing St. Patrick and Pape Station due to flooding. Elevators and escalators at Pape have been shut down.”
The TTC said the Yorkdale Mall entrance was closed on Tuesday as a result.
GO Transit issued a statement stating that some services may be modified or delayed due to weather conditions. Delays, cancellations, and modifications are expected.
“In areas where there may be pooling water, please use extra caution, and report any safety issues to staff on site or by texting ‘help’ to 77777,” GO Transit said. “Your safety is our priority, and we will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates to your service as changes are made.”
Mississauga Fire Services said crews responded to an elevated number of emergency incidents related to flooding on Tuesday, while Peel Regional Police said authorities received reports of manhole covers lifting due to the volume of rain and advised motorists to be cautious.
Halton Regional Police noted that Guelph Line between Dundas Street and No. 1 Side Road was forced to close on Tuesday morning and urged motorists to use alternate routes.
Heavy rain experienced on Monday also caused similar flooding concerns across Toronto, affecting the Don Valley Parkway at Dundas Street, Lake Shore Boulevard at Rees Street, and Ontario Place.
The flooding has also affected Billy Bishop Airport after the pedestrian tunnel flooded, forcing its closure.