Storms in GTA Cause Flooding, Leaving Motorists Stranded

People huddle under a tent at Woodbine Racetrack to escape a heavy downpour of rain that resulted in the cancellation of part of the King's Plate, in Toronto on Aug. 17, 2024. The Canadian Press/Christopher Katsarov

Heavy rains caused flooding and closed roads, leaving motorists stranded and some clinging to light standards, as a cluster of storms rolled through the GTA on Aug. 17.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a storm warning at 12:25 p.m. local time. It advised taking shelter immediately if a storm was approaching.

The warning said that ECCC meteorologists were tracking storms that were capable of producing strong wind gusts, nickel-sized hail, and heavy rain.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” it said.

A later update noted that the amount of heavy rain that fell in the afternoon surpassed 100 millimetres in a few locations.

The City of Mississauga had estimated there may be up to 200 milimetres of rain arriving with the storm.

“We’re working diligently to clean up areas as quickly as possible. Please allow space for City vehicles to operate,” the city said in a social media post.

It advised residents to avoid driving and stay home.

“Heavy rain brings poor visibility. If you must drive, ensure that your full lighting system is turned on,” the post said. “If needed, park and wait until the rain has slowed down.”

Firefighters in Mississauga helped rescue a pedestrian who was clinging to a light standard in the area of Dundas and Queen Frederica as rising waters left the individual stranded.

Mississauga Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi took to social media to thank firefighters, 911 communications members, city staff, and the incident management team for managing the local flooding in the community.

“Work continues clearing streets/trails, unclogging catch basins, road/park closures, rescues & updating residents,” Rizzi said in the Aug. 17 post on the X platform.

Toronto residents were advised to have a plan as the storm approached in a post by Toronto Fire Services (TFS).

“Review your plans including travelling in elevators and on roads which can be affected by power outages and water accumulation. Be prepared,” TFS said on X.

The storm delayed travel at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, causing flights to be diverted, the airport said in a post on X.

“This is having a major impact on passengers. Travellers are encouraged to check with their airlines before leaving for the airport,” the post said.

Mississauga said city crews were responding to flooding issues on sidewalks, roads, parks, and trails, clearing blocked catch basins, and helping police with road closures.

ECCC said that rain and thunderstorms were expected to continue through Sunday.

“A slight lull in showers and thunderstorms is expected overnight before strengthening Sunday with daytime heating intensifying thunderstorms,” the alert said. “This weather pattern typically brings rapidly changing conditions between sunny skies and heavy downpours.”

The storms are expected to taper to isolated showers on Monday morning, ECCC said.