Severe Storm Engulfs Toronto, Affects Power Supply

Rainfall from three massive storms has inundated parts of Toronto, causing power outages and stranding drivers on major motorways.

Environment Canada reported nearly 100mm (4 inches) of rain on Tuesday, surpassing the city’s daily record set in 1941.

The torrential downpour led to severe flooding across the city, submerging cars and cascading water down Union Station staircases.

Pop star Drake posted a video on Instagram showing his Toronto home, “The Embassy,” partially submerged.

“Better be espresso martini,” he wrote as sludgy brown water filled a room.

Toronto Hydro reported that more than 167,000 customers lost power due to the storm. Additionally, numerous flights were delayed or cancelled at Billy Bishop Airport on the Toronto Islands.

Flooding blocked both directions of the Don Valley Parkway, a major motorway alongside the Don River. Ontario Highway 410 was also closed, with police estimating clearing the debris would take a day.

EDITOR’S PICK:

• Gov. Adeleke’s Phone Hacked – Osun Issues Fraud Alert
• Fed Govt Distributes 740 Bags of Rice to Aid Food Crisis
• Labour Leaders, Tinubu Resume Talks On Minimum Wage Agreement

Authorities rescued at least 14 people, including one individual from their car’s roof. The Toronto fire service received numerous calls from people trapped in elevators after large areas of the city center lost power during business hours.

Meteorologists attributed Tuesday’s record rainfall to three consecutive storms. “We had 25 percent more rain in three hours than we’d normally have in the entire month of July,” meteorologist Dave Phillips told CP24.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority warned that areas near shorelines, rivers, and streams are especially vulnerable to flooding due to the city’s numerous waterways.

Mayor Olivia Chow expressed confusion over why the flood-prone Don Valley Parkway was not closed earlier but emphasized that the city is “massively investing” in cleanup efforts to prevent future flooding.

Toronto experienced a similarly intense storm in July 2013, which left 300,000 people without power and stranded over 1,000 train passengers.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OUR VIDEO OF THE WEEK