Powerful storm hits Canada’s Toronto, cutting power to tens of thousands

What the report says

A powerful thunderstorm swept through Toronto, Canada’s largest city, on Wednesday, leaving tens of thousands of people without power and causing widespread disruption, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on Reuters and local reporting. The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds and large hail, and triggered tornado watches and warnings in some areas.

Toronto Hydro said at least 45,000 customers were without electricity by 8pm on Wednesday. The storm also damaged buildings, brought down trees and led to flooding that forced road closures, including on the Don Valley Parkway. Reports cited by Al Jazeera said some areas north of the city saw cars stranded in floodwater, while Michael Garron Hospital said flooding affected its emergency department.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the city’s emergency operations centre had been activated and that crews were responding to downed wires, fallen trees and flooding. The Toronto Transit Commission said it was working to restore subway and bus service where high winds and debris caused problems. At Toronto Pearson International Airport, dozens of evening flights were delayed or cancelled.

Environment and Climate Change Canada later lifted an orange severe-thunderstorm warning for the Greater Toronto Area, though a yellow alert remained in parts of southwestern Ontario. The storm is a reminder of how extreme summer weather can quickly strain urban infrastructure, transportation and emergency services.