PHOTOS: Nasty storm hits Ontario hard, destruction unfolding
theweathernetwork.com
Monday, April 16, 2018, 1:00 PM - A powerful Colorado low has been blasting much of southern Ontario with strong winds, ice pellets, freezing rain and heavy, flooding rain over the past several days. The damaging impacts are widespread and the storm continues to make its mark as it takes its time to depart.
In downtown Toronto, pedestrians and motorists are being warned to avoid the CN Tower as ice was spotted falling off Canada’s tallest free standing structure.
"Units OS have confirmed that there have been no injuries reported at this time," tweeted Toronto Police at 11:43 a.m. "At this point the entrance to the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre are closed. Units are still assessing. Will provide updates when additional info is received."
Both the Toronto Blue Jays and Leafs were scheduled to play Monday, which meant thousands of fans were expected to congregate around the area.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but falling ice from the CN Tower caused serious damage to the Roger Centre roof Monday afternoon, which prompted the city’s baseball team to cancel Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals.
"Tonight’s game has been cancelled due to inclement weather causing damage to our roof," read a tweet from the official Blue Jay account at around 5:30 p.m. "We apologize to our fans for this inconvenience. Further info for those with purchased tickets to the game will be shared shortly. Tomorrow’s game will be a 3:07 p.m. traditional doubleheader."
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS
- Widespread freezing rain and rainfall warnings in effect across southern Ontario
- Thousands still without power as strong winds, combined with ice-laden trees and power lines caused widespread damage
- Up to 60 mm of rain likely for parts of the GTA through Monday. Risk of localized flooding
CLICK TO PLAY: Satellite loop of the storm engulfing eastern North America
According to Hydro One, nearly 200,000 customers have been impacted throughout the entirety of this destructive storm with the wind likely doing more damage than the freezing rain and ice. At one point Sunday night, wind gusts reached 100 km/h across parts of the GTA. Meanwhile, the Ontario Provincial Police responded to roughly 1,500 collisions across the Greater Toronto Area, according to Sgt. Kerry Schmidt. Toronto's Pearson International Airport continues to urge passengers to check the status of their flights and to arrive early. Over 300 flights were cancelled, with Sunday's deteriorating conditions leading to many delays and cancellations at Billy Bishop Airport.
At least one man was sent to hospital with serious injuries on Saturday after a large commercial sign mounted to the ground crashed down on top of him in downtown Hamilton, the CBC reports. An investigation was underway, police told the news agency.
Localized flooding remains a major concern with this storm as some areas could see up to 60 mm of rain through Monday. Water continues to inundate several places along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and treacherous travel conditions have resulted in a pile of school closures and bus cancellations.
Keep on top of active weather by visiting the ALERTS page.
