Flooding in parts of GTA as rain warning remains in effect

Extensive flooding is impacting parts of Greater Toronto as heavy rainfall continues.

Just before 1:45 p.m., Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) A rainfall warning has been issued for the city, with 50 to 100 mm of rain expected to fall on the city, at a rate of 40 mm per hour. Heavy hail is also possible. The warning says the rain will continue through Sunday, and Toronto residents are advised to keep children and pets away from rivers and streams.

The weather agency downgraded its severe thunderstorm warning to a warning Saturday afternoon.

There are also tornado warnings in effect for parts of southern Ontario, including Caledon, Brantford, Guelph, Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Newmarket and Orangeville.

one Hardware store in Ayr, Ontario sustained extensive damage from tornado which swept through the area leaving the walls and roof in ruins.

“If you hear a roaring sound or see funnel clouds, debris hovering near the ground, flying debris, or any weather hazard approaching, seek shelter immediately,” the warning says, adding that you need to go to the lowest floor of your home and stay away from windows.

The Toronto Area Conservation Authority (TRCA) said it had already seen 81 millimetres of rain in one hour. The federal agency added that heavy rain could lead to water pooling on roads and flash flooding.

The Mississauga Fire Department shared photos of firefighters assisting a pedestrian who they said was “clinging” to a light pole in the area of ​​Dundas Street and Queen Frederica Drive.

In posts on X, Peel Regional Police He said there is significant flooding in the area of ​​Rathburn Road and Elora Drive, as well as Mavis Road and Lafayette Drive in Mississauga. Police are asking drivers to take an alternate route as all eastbound lanes of Elora Drive and Rathburn Road between Mavis Road and Confederation Parkway are closed at this time.

“Friendly reminder: Please do not drive through flooded areas for your own safety,” police wrote.

Under the Wilson Avenue Bridge, Toronto Police He said two cars were stuck in floodwater at Wilson and Wendell streets. Westbound at Clayson Road and Wilson Street and eastbound at Wendell Street are closed, police said.

The police also warned against it. Flood under the bridge In the area of ​​Kipling Street and Bellfield Road, as well as in the eastbound lanes in the area of ​​Weston Road and Finch Street.

Toronto Pearson said in The rains that fell on Saturday caused several leaks in buildings No. 1 and 3, and although the two stations are operating at full capacity, the cleaning process is still ongoing.

“If conditions improve for tornado development, this warning will be upgraded to a tornado warning,” the weather agency said in its warning for Toronto.

The warning urges local residents to “take shelter immediately if dangerous weather conditions approach.”

Severe thunderstorm warnings are also in effect for other parts of southern Ontario, including Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and London.

With files from Shelby Knox and Hannah Schmidt of CTV News Kitchener