Power restored to all but 3200 homes, All roads have reopened except for two, Union Station fully operational, no heavy rainfall expected today
TORONTO July 17, 2024: The City of Toronto, this morning has provided an update on its response to heavy rainfall, flooding and power outages that impacted residents yesterday. Below are the updates as of 6 a.m.:
General updates
- Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is not forecasting significant rainfall today. Weather updates are available on the ECCC website: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-143_metric_e.html
- The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) advises that water levels in the Don River are falling. Updates are available on the TRCA website: https://trca.ca/
- 311 received more than 930 calls since the start of the rainfall for service connection blockages, overflowing catchbasins
- A small number of City pools and community centres remain closed due to flooding or a loss of power. Residents are reminded to check the City’s website for service impacts: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-recreation-service-alerts/.
- There is flooding in various low-lying waterfront parks and on Toronto Island. The impact won’t be known until the water recedes in the coming days.
Toronto Hydro power outage update
- There are about 3,200 customers without power, down from a peak of approximately 167,000.
- Toronto Hydro and Hydro One are working to restore power supply to all customers as quickly as possible.
- Report outages to Toronto Hydro: https://www.torontohydro.com/what-to-do-during-an-outage .
Public transit and commuting
- All roads, including the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, have reopened, with the exception of:
- Bayview Avenue between Pottery Road and River Street.
- Unwin Avenue.
- The City is working to reopen both roads as soon as possible.
- City crews worked overnight to clear debris and water from roads.
- The City will continue inspecting bridge, culverts and guardrails throughout the day.
- A map of all road closures is available at www.toronto.ca/RoadRestrictions.
- TTC is operating normal service. The most up-to-date information is available on the TTC Service Alerts webpage: www.ttc.ca/service-alerts
- Union Station is fully operational, and retail and food courts are operating normally, following flooding and power outages on Tuesday.
- Metrolinx updates are available on www.gotransit.com .
Basement flooding
- The City’s crews are available 24/7 to respond to flooding calls.
- In the event of a flooded basement:
- Call 311 immediately to report basement flooding. During extreme weather conditions residents should expect high call volumes and some delays. Calls will be answered by the first available agent.
- Do not enter a flooded basement. If flooding occurs in your basement and your power is on, call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000 to disconnect your power.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage caused by flooding.
- Reduce or eliminate water use in the home (don’t do laundry, wash dishes, flush the toilet, etc.), if you have already experienced a sewer backup or your backwater valve has been activated, as this household water could end up in your basement.
- Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning a flooded basement. Do not stand in flood water – call a professional for assistance.
- Learn how to protect your home and what steps to take if your basement floods at toronto.ca/BasementFlooding.
General tips and advice
- Stay away from shorelines, rivers and streams, and use caution if travelling during flooding.
- Never drive through flooding or ponding, especially in underpasses. More information about road restrictions is available at www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions.
- Collection crews may be delayed. Residents are advised to put out their waste materials on their regularly scheduled day and leave them until they are collected.
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