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Torrential Rains Trigger Flash Floods in Toronto, Causing Power Outages and Disruptions
Heavy rains lead to flash floods in Toronto, causing power outages and major disruptions.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-17
Torrential Rains Trigger Flash Floods in Toronto, Causing Power Outages and Disruptions

Torrential rain on Tuesday caused flash flooding in parts of Toronto, Canada's financial center, leading to power outages, traffic disruptions, and flight cancellations.

Toronto Hydro, the local power distribution company, reported responding to widespread outages, likely due to flooding at a transmission station. By 3 PM, approximately 123,000 customers were without power.

Billy Bishop Airport, located on an island off downtown Toronto, experienced flooding in the underwater pedestrian tunnel leading to the passenger terminal, causing temporary closure and flight delays or cancellations.

Lunchtime in downtown Toronto saw many normally bustling restaurants in darkness, with staff waiting outside for power restoration. Traffic lights were out, causing significant congestion in the city.

Weather experts attribute the increasing frequency of intense rainstorms globally to climate change, which places a heavy burden on infrastructure not designed to handle such downpours.

The Toronto Transit Commission reported trains bypassing Union Station due to flooding, and Go Transit noted service disruptions to and from the suburbs. The Don Valley Parkway resembled a river shortly after the rains began, with images showing cars stalled in several feet of water.

Brandon Rolle, 24, was stuck in his car on the Don Valley Parkway for two hours before being rescued by fire services, though his car remained stranded until towing could occur.

"The fire service said they have to wait until the water recedes," Rolle stated.

The rains subsided around midday, with Environment Canada forecasting partly cloudy skies for the remainder of Tuesday.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, in a televised briefing, assured that emergency services were operational despite the flooding, although parts of City Hall were affected.

Trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange continued as usual, the TSX confirmed.
Tagged:

ClimateChange

ExtremeWeather

TorontoFlood
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