Toronto was hit with a severe thunderstorm on July 21, causing widespread damage and power outages across the city.
According to Environment Canada, the storm brought strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning to the Greater Toronto Area. The agency issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the region, urging residents to take precautions and stay indoors.
The storm caused significant damage to trees and power lines, resulting in power outages for thousands of homes and businesses. Toronto Hydro reported that at the height of the storm, over 50,000 customers were without power. Crews worked tirelessly to restore electricity, and as of Wednesday morning, approximately 10,000 customers were still without power.
In addition to the power outages, the storm also caused disruptions to public transportation. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) reported that several subway stations were closed due to flooding, and some bus routes were diverted due to fallen trees and debris on the roads.
The severe weather also impacted flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with several delays and cancellations reported. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates on their flights.
The storm also brought heavy rain, with some areas receiving up to 50 millimeters in just a few hours. This led to localized flooding in low-lying areas and on some roads. The City of Toronto issued a warning to drivers to use caution and avoid driving through flooded areas.
Fortunately, there were no reports of any injuries or major damage to buildings. However, the storm did leave a trail of destruction, with many residents sharing photos and videos on social media of fallen trees, flooded streets, and damaged property.
The severe thunderstorm warning has since ended, but Environment Canada is still advising residents to be cautious as there is a risk of more thunderstorms throughout the day.
As the city continues to clean up and recover from the storm, officials are reminding residents to stay safe and to report any damage or hazards to the appropriate authorities.
