Severe weather impacted parts of southern Ontario on Wednesday, causing road flooding in Toronto, school closures in cottage country, and power outages affecting thousands of residents. Impacts from the heavy rainfall were expected to continue into the night.
Flooding and Travel Disruptions
Environment Canada lifted its yellow level rainfall warning – which had predicted up to 40 millimetres of rain – for Toronto and most of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) on Wednesday afternoon. Though, eastern parts of the GTA, such as Oshawa, and most of eastern Ontario remained under a freezing rain warning, with rainfall expected to diminish early Wednesday evening.
Toronto police reported several flooded roadways, advising drivers to exercise caution while travelling on the following routes:
- Gardiner Expressway near York Street
- Lawrence Avenue E. And Railside Road in North York
- Birchmount Road and Huntingwood Drive in Scarborough
- Northline Road and O’Connor Drive in East York
Police also cautioned residents to stay away from rivers and creeks, which were flowing faster than usual due to melting snow and heavy rainfall.
The TTC reported that streetcars were temporarily unable to service the Dufferin Loop in downtown Toronto due to flooding. Service was rerouted via the 504 King line before being restored. Water pooling in the area had created unsafe conditions for streetcar operation.
School buses in Toronto, Peel, and York Region experienced delays of up to 60 minutes on Wednesday morning.
Widespread Outages and School Closures
Eastbound lanes of Highway 401 at Holt Road and Bowmanville Avenue were closed Wednesday morning due to numerous crashes and flooding, according to the Ontario Provincial Police. Drivers were warned to be cautious of potential potholes hidden under floodwaters.
Approximately 1,172 homes and businesses in Barrie experienced power outages Wednesday morning due to three separate outages, according to Alectra Utilities. All power was restored in Barrie by early afternoon.
Around 29,970 Hydro One customers across the province were without power due to weather-related issues. Power restoration times were expected to vary as crews assessed damage and worked to repair the outages. Some crews faced challenges accessing repair sites due to flooded or icy roads.
All schools, child care centres, and facilities within the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) were closed due to ongoing freezing rain. The TLDSB serves students in Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Muskoka.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas were under a rainfall warning?
A yellow level rainfall warning had been in effect for Toronto and most of the GTA, but was lifted Wednesday afternoon. Eastern parts of the GTA, such as Oshawa, and most of eastern Ontario remained under a freezing rain warning.
Which school boards experienced delays or closures?
School buses in Toronto, Peel, and York Region faced delays of up to 60 minutes. All schools, child care centres, and facilities with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) were closed.
What should residents do if they encounter flooded roads?
Residents were advised by Toronto police to move slowly and take extra time for travel on flooded roads, and to steer clear of rivers and creeks, which were flowing faster than normal.
As conditions continue to evolve, will residents in southern Ontario be prepared for further weather-related disruptions?
