Severe Storms Hit Toronto, Causing Flooding and Power Outages

Strong thunderstorms moved through the Greater Toronto Area on Wednesday, toppling trees, causing power outages, and flooding several streets.

The storms resulted in thousands being left without power on Wednesday evening and led to the closure of the Don Valley Parkway in both directions between Bloor Street and the Jarvis street exit on the Gardiner Expressway. Several roads were reported closed in Toronto due to flooding, according to police.

In Vaughan, York Regional Police issued a warning about “severe flooding,” with the intersection of Jane Street and Highway 7 completely underwater. Numerous cars were spotted nearly submerged in that area.

“Please avoid the area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads,” advised their post.

Cars are seen almost submerged in Vaughan, where police alerted drivers to avoid certain locations: Martin Grove Road/Langstaff Road; Rivermede Road/Bowes Road; Weston Road/Rutherford Road; Jane Street/Highway 7; and Rutherford Road/Vaughan Mills Road. (CBC)

Meanwhile, around 35,000 customers lost power across the city as of about 10 p. m. due to the storm, as reported by Toronto Hydro. At peak times during these outages, approximately 65,000 customers experienced issues.

“Safety remains our top priority as crews address reported hazards like downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment while restoring service safely and quickly,” stated the utility in an email.

“We’ve added more resources to assist customers since we’re experiencing high call volumes and remain dedicated to helping those affected by the storm while keeping them informed throughout this restoration effort.”

Concert Venue Damaged, Emergency Department Impacted

Live Nation Canada announced that Rogers Stadium, a venue located in north Toronto, suffered
“significant damage” due to severe weather conditions.

“As always, ensuring safety for our employees and contractors on-site is our highest priority. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during today’s extreme weather event,” Live Nation Canada shared.

“We’re currently evaluating how extensive the damage is and will provide updates as we learn more.”

WATCH | Cars under significant water as storm rolls through Toronto:

Video shows Toronto traffic during severe GTA storm

A video captures scenes from Toronto after a strong thunderstorm rolled through, with cars submerged under water.

Michael Garron Hospital in East York indicated that its emergency department faced challenges due to flooding. 

“If you’re dealing with a potentially life-threatening issue, please know that our ED is open and operational,” stated the hospital’s website.   

However, they also encouraged anyone facing a non-life-threatening health concern to consider “other care options” available nearby.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Environment Canada had issued a red-level warning for “extremely dangerous” thunderstorms affecting Toronto and Mississauga but later lifted those warnings. The watches changed rapidly throughout the day across the GTA and included possible tornado risks.

The federal weather agency remarked that storms impacting Mississauga were particularly hazardous with radar indicating winds could hit nearly 150 km/h.

WATCH | Severe winds tore a roof off a building in Brampton:

Severe winds tear roof off Brampton building during violent storm

A video highlights damage from strong winds that removed part of a roof from a building in Brampton.

Reports of Downed Wires and Fallen Trees

Toronto police reported over 100 incidents regarding downed wires and fallen trees at various spots following a storm that swept through around 5 p. m. 

“It’s really piling up! It’s tough for our dispatcher just sorting all this out!” said Toronto police spokesperson Masuma Akhter via email. 

On social media platform X, police added: “Please use caution while driving. Slow down according to road conditions. Allow extra time getting where you need to go. Seek shelter if necessary.”

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The TTC noted flooding at Union Station along with St. Patrick’s station and Museum station areas. Trains bypassed St. Patrick station but resumed service afterward; however trains weren’t stopping northbound at Union station toward Finch because of ongoing flooding.

A transit bus drives through flood water along Yonge St., midtown Toronto during Wednesday’s storm on Sept. 2nd ,2026 (John Chidley-Hill/The Canadian Press)

The situation at Pearson Airport indicated delays or cancellations caused by storms was likely ongoing so travelers should verify their flight status directly with airlines before heading out there according its post made earlier today via X.

The departures board displayed numerous flights set for departure Wednesday evening which appeared either delayed or cancelled altogether.

CNE Closes Early Due To Severe Weather

The CNE first paused outdoor activities including all major rides based upon safety considerations before closing grounds at seven o’clock followed by shutting buildings down around eight o’clock PM. All performances scheduled for Bell Soundstage at Bandshell subsequently got cancelled too.

The guests received advisories suggesting “remain calm while following instructions provided by event staff/security personnel exiting site using designated routes” CNE explained.A view from Riverside bridge shows vehicle engulfed under floodwaters after series thunderstorms rolled into region surrounding city (Rozenn Nicolle/CBC)

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow posted an update via social media stating emergency operations center activation occurred after assessing damages this afternoon.

Crew members working diligently responding alongside reports concerning fallen electric wires impacted facilities experiencing floods among other concerns mentioned earlier regarding debris caused high wind gusts she stated respectively;

Crowd advised staying clear away from damaged electrical supplies notifying authorities such as hydro services if needed checking drain systems accordingly ensuring proper functioning making sure it leads away house foundations preventing any chances forming floods latter than sooner next time events unfold again similar manner going forward too ;

Thunderstorm warnings/lists placed around regions ended before seven forty-five pm eventually finished occurring thereafter further updates available soon afterwards officially concluded too.The sky clears as sun sets above downtown skyline reflecting aftermath days’ worth tumultuous atmospheric disturbances encountered previously within southern Ontario territory herein observed following September second two thousand twenty-six date respectively.

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