Damage reported after Canada Day storms slam southern Ontario
Intense storms swept through southern Ontario on Wednesday, downing trees and breaking at least one monthly record
Rounds of severe thunderstorms pounded much of southern Ontario through the day on Wednesday, hampering outdoor Canada Day gatherings with damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and frequent lightning.
Hazardous conditions resulted in the cancellation of Ottawa’s National Canada Day Evening Show, as well as the fireworks display.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” Canadian Heritage posted on Instagram. “The safety of the public, the performers, the volunteers, and the crews remains our top priority.”
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Hydro One reported nearly 150,000 power outages throughout the province around 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday. Hydro Ottawa said that around 28,000 of its own customers were without power at the same time.
Storms thrived as excessive heat and humidity covered the region. Severe weather is common on the northern edge of a heat dome like the one centred over the eastern U.S. this week.
A relentless series of strong to severe thunderstorms hit the National Capital Region through the afternoon hours.
Ottawa Airport reported at least 90 mm of rain on Wednesday, breaking the record for the most rain ever reported in a single July day. The previous record was 79 mm back on July 24, 2017.
Damaging wind gusts were common from cottage country through southwestern Ontario, knocking down trees and power lines. Toronto-Pearson Airport saw a wind gust of 104 km/h as the storms moved throug the region.
A risk for severe thunderstorms will continue into the overnight hours and renew again on Thursday.
See some of the damage and scenes from Wednesday’s storms, below.