Several strong thunderstorms moved through Toronto and southern Ontario late Sunday, causing torrential rainfall, hail, high winds and power outages. Environment Canada is also warning about flash flooding.
As the skies darkened at 8:30 pm Environment Canada warned people in the Toronto area to “take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.”
“Fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away,” the bulletin warned. “Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Avoid driving through water on roads. In Canada, lightning kills up to 10 people every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”
Toronto Hydro reported power outages from Sheppard to Finch and Don Mills to Victoria Park, which were caused by a fallen tree branch.
Water was almost up to the windows of some cars at a parking lot near Woodbine and Steeles.
Pearson International Airport advised travellers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport as there are a number of delays for arriving and departing flights.
Pictures on Twitter from Grand Bend, Ont. show downed trees on a home and a car and what appears to be a funnel cloud west of Kitchener. There are reports of two possible tornadoes touching down in the area. Environment Canada will be sending out teams on Monday to investigate.
Environment Canada ended the severe thunderstorm warning for Toronto shortly before 10 p.m.
