A severe thunderstorm warning inÌýTorontoÌýand the GTAÌýforÌýheavyÌýrainÌýand strong windsÌý ended after a stormÌýrolled through most of southern Ontario Tuesday evening, delaying flights and the Maple Leafs’ playoff tailgate.Ìý
Areas affected by the warning from Environment Canada stretched as far north as Georgian Bay, Kitchener to the east and Peterborough to the west.
The weather agency warned that the thunderstorm in those areas was capable of producing nickel-sized hail.ÌýEnvironment Canada ended the severe thunderstorm warningÌýjust a couple hours after it was issued.
Fans attending the tailgate at Scotiabank Arena ahead of the Leafs’ fourth playoff game against the Ottawa Senators were asked to leave Maple Leaf Square and head to a nearby shelter, according to a post byÌý. Around half an hour later, the arena announced the tailgate area had reopened and asked fans to join the queue at the entrance gate.
Large swathes of the province, including the Greater º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøArea, were forecasted to see damaging “supercell” storms, with wind gusts up to 110 km/h and hail up to the size of ping-pong balls, meteorologists told the Star on Monday.Ìý
Environment Canada’s Geoff Coulson said these rare, long-lasting storms also carry a risk of tornadoes.Ìý
Environment Canada warned in a special weather statement on Tuesday afternoon of large nickel sized hail that could damage property and injure people along with strong southwest wind gusts of up to 80 km/h that would diminish throughout the evening as a cold front made its way through. By Tuesday evening, º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøand the GTA was clear of all weather warnings.Ìý
Power outages across the province
While the storm quickly moved through, power outages across the province lingered as a result of the storm.
In Toronto, scattered outages were reported due to high winds, according to º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøHydro, adding that crews wereÌýresponding to downed power lines.ÌýÌý
The electric utility company advises that customers stay at least 10 metres away from downed wires if you come across them and to report it to º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøHydro.Ìý
“Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to affected customers, and we appreciate everyone’s patience this evening,” º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøHydro said.
Hydro One is reporting power outages across parts of southern and central Ontario due to the high winds, adding that additional outages are expected as the weather system continues to move east through the province in the evening, according to a .Ìý
On Tuesday evening, over 90,000 Hydro One customers in the province were without power, with the greatest number of customers without power in Georgian Bay and northeastern areas of the province, according to Hydro One’s .
While the storm broke power line poles and cross arms, Hydro One said damage has largely been caused by trees and tree limbs falling on power lines and other electrical equipment, adding that some trees have been completely uprooted due to wet and soft grounds.Ìý
Pearson saw delays due to storm
The storm travelled through Toronto’s Pearson Airport, causing some delays for arrivals and departures as a result, Sean Davidson, spokesperson for the airport, said.Ìý
“But the sun is back out at the airport now and we are working with the airlines to get everybody where they need to go as soon as possible,”ÌýDavidson said Tuesday evening.Ìý
Tuesday saw mostly cloudy conditions with a high of 26 C that felt more like 31 with the humidex.ÌýTuesday afternoon broughtÌýsome of the most severe thunderstorms Ontario has seen this year, as high heat, humidity and a cold front collided.
A brief reprieve comes Wednesday, with skies clearing in the morning and a cooler high of 13 C — just 8 C near Lake Ontario.
Rain is set to return Thursday and Friday, with a 70 per cent chance of showers both days and highs hovering around 13 C.
A mix of sun and cloud is forecast for Saturday with a slight chance of showers and a high of 10 C. Sunday promises clear skies and sunshine, bringing a high of 13 C.
With files from Kevin Jiang
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation