Strong winds cause power outages across the Greater Toronto Area
Parts of Toronto’s downtown area were left without power Saturday afternoon as strong winds passed through most of southern Ontario.
Toronto Hydro said there was a big power outage in the city’s Esplanade area, specifically on Shuter Street south to Lake Ontario and on Yonge Street east to Cherry Street.
According to a map on Toronto Hydro’s website, the outage affected up to 5,000 customers.
At around 2:30 p.m., Toronto Hydro said the power had been restored to most customers.
Toronto police were also warning residents about various hazards in the city.
Police say a sign and pieces of metal fell in the area of Yonge and Shuter streets, and a tree and hydro wires were on the road at Lake Shore Boulevard and Colborne Lodge Drive.
There were also reports of debris falling in the area of Adelaide and Peter streets.
Fallen trees and wires were also reportedly on the ground in the areas of Montgomery Road and Oak Hampton Boulevard, Lynngrove Avenue and Princeton Road, and Sherbourne and Carlton streets.
Police are urging drivers and pedestrians to use caution and expect delays in all of those areas.
Meanwhile, a map on Hydro One's website said there were more than 300 outages across the province affecting at least 38,000 customers at one point Saturday afternoon.
The outages were caused by powerful wind gusts hitting most of southern Ontario on Saturday, which prompted Environment Canada to issue a wind warning.
“Westerly winds gusting to 90 km/h are expected this morning through the afternoon in the wake of a strong cold front,” the national weather agency said. The wind advisory for Toronto ended shortly after 4 p.m.
Winds are expected to ease from west to east Saturday evening.
On Friday, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for most of southern Ontario due to the powerful winds.
The weather agency warns that gusty winds can damage soft shelters, tents and awnings at outdoor events. Loose objects could also be tossed by the wind and utility outages could occur.
A high of 9 C is expected today with the temperature falling to 1 C this afternoon and a low of minus 5 C.
Saturday is also expected to be cloudy with a few rain showers set to end this morning and a 60 per cent chance of flurries throughout the day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.