TORONTO, ONTARIO - A dangerous weather system swept across Toronto and southwestern Ontario Wednesday evening, unleashing destructive winds, golf ball-sized hail, and torrential rainfall. The intense thunderstorms prompted Environment Canada to issue numerous severe weather advisories, including tornado red warnings across parts of southern Ontario. Emergency alerts warned residents during the peak of the storm between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to take immediate shelter from damaging gusts and heavy hail.
The severe weather left significant destruction in its wake, downing trees and bringing down power lines across the region. Toronto Hydro reported that roughly 65,000 customers were left without power at the height of the storm.
"Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to affected customers," Toronto Hydro stated in an official alert. "We know how difficult it is to be without power and truly appreciate your patience and understanding."
Toronto police confirmed receiving widespread reports of rapid surge flooding, fallen trees and active live wires across the city, prompting emergency medical services (EMS) to urge residents to remain patient while crews triage incoming calls.
Severe flash flooding disrupted major transportation arteries across the region. Police closed the DVP in both directions between Bayview/Bloor and the Gardiner Expressway after water levels rose rapidly along the Don River corridor. York Regional Police reported that key intersections near Jane Street and Highway 7 were entirely submerged under floodwaters.
As residents and municipal crews begin clean-up efforts, the threat has not entirely passed. Toronto and the broader GTA remain under an orange-level severe thunderstorm watch, with additional storm activity anticipated.
While orange-level tornado watches have officially ended for adjacent regions—including Hamilton, Halton Hills – Milton, and Burlington – Oakville—officials urge the public to monitor local weather updates closely and avoid unnecessary travel until floodwaters recede.
