Flooding rains close roads, snarl Toronto traffic: Photos
Digital News Reporter
Friday, May 26, 2017, 7:02 PM - Soaking rain and strong winds in southern Ontario Thursday caused power outages in the Greater Toronto Area and forced officials to close roads due to flooding.
By Friday, the Toronto Islands recorded 55 mm of rain. Meanwhile, downtown Toronto picked up 52.1 mm, with a historic 45 mm reported at Pearson Airport -- a new record for Pearson, whose previous rainiest May 25 was 34.3 mm in 1953.
Lake Shore Boulevard from New Brunswick Way to Ontario Drive was shut down temporarily in both directions as a result of flooding. All lanes were re-opened by 5:45 p.m. local time. The Bayview extension was also closed south Of River Street. Power outages were also reported as a result of the flooding.
Scroll down for photos and tweets of the flooding.
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"Certainly, we've seen well-above average rainfall in the month of May alone," says The Weather Network meteorologist Brett Soderholm. "[A]nd remember, the month isn't even over yet! We've got an additional 5 to 15 mm on the way for Sunday into Monday."
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has downgraded a flood watch to a watershed conditions statement.
"Water levels within the majority of the TRCA's rivers and streams have peaked and are now receding," the conservation authority said in a statement. "Although the water levels within TRCA's rivers and streams are receding, the water levels are still higher than usual and river and stream banks remain slippery maintaining dangerous conditions."
After a calmer Friday, forecasters are eyeing the next system taking aim at Ontario for the weekend, keeping the region unsettled.
"A Prairie low will merge with a low from the south, bringing thunderstorm risk on Saturday for northern Ontario, and across the south on Sunday," Weather Network meteorologist Brett Soderholm says. "The front appears to cross southern Ontario Sunday afternoon, and clears by predawn Monday."
Analysis: Atmospheric could bring large waves to Lake Ontario
Photos of heavy downpours and flooding in southern Ontario below.
Rain,drizzle,fog. Getting St. John's weather in #HamOnt. #onstorm pic.twitter.com/MuBkNYfGFv
— Kim MacDonald (@KMacTWN) May 25, 2017
Very high water levels this afternoon: Lake Ontario at Jack Darling park in Mississauga #ONStorm @weathernetwork @MissiNewsRoom pic.twitter.com/GfWq3cYBAs
— Tony (@HappyResponse) May 25, 2017
#Driving on #LakeShore by #TheExhibitionPlace in #Toronto this afternoon feels more like #sailing @weathernetwork #CanadianWeather #Ontario pic.twitter.com/35LzP9kOPV
— RucsandraMŞăulean (@RucsandraDamaPR) May 25, 2017
A little better look at the submerged breakwall near the Humber river. I've never seen the lake this high. #onstorm pic.twitter.com/g2kiEG7h2F
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) May 25, 2017
Water levels continue to rise on Lake #Ontario. What once used to be a small beach is now under a metre of water. #OnWX #Onstorm pic.twitter.com/j5zs55Cyog
— WxOntario (@WxOntario1) May 25, 2017
I bought this umbrella 15 minutes ago. #onstorm pic.twitter.com/okmKeOmRHA
— Stefan Novakovic (@NovakovicTO) May 25, 2017
Waves will once again spill out of Lake Ontario today–more erosion likely as winds sustained 30-40 km/h by beaches #ONstorm pic.twitter.com/bZlj3ROXSw
— 50 Shades of Van (@50ShadesofVan) May 25, 2017
So. Much. Rain. Talking about the rainfall in Toronto today. @weathernetwork #onstorm pic.twitter.com/YivQsAkHmb
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) May 25, 2017
Holy crap. I know it's really been raining when my balcony starts to flood. #onstorm #Toronto pic.twitter.com/uqJVLXHvBs
— Michael Cnudde (@Mcnudde) May 25, 2017
@weathernetwork May 25 2017 Rain falling, already high water levels in Lake Ontario increasing, St.Catharines ON pic.twitter.com/r45mfBWA6W
— Edward Klassen (@NukeLalooch) May 25, 2017
@StormhunterTWN @weathernetwork This is from Burlington Ontario pic.twitter.com/fB5iaoOeQv
— Baker (@kylebaker107) May 25, 2017
Erosion continues on the Lake Ontario waterfront. And lake levels continue to rise. @weathernetwork #onstorm pic.twitter.com/fKFaywsXz1
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) May 25, 2017