Toronto Storm Flooding: What Happened And Why The Damage Matters
By CCN News | Published: Sep 04, 2026 (IST)
By CCN News | Published: Sep 04, 2026 (IST)
Sources: Instagram Account @ryngrg
Toronto began cleanup operations Thursday after a severe thunderstorm brought torrential rain, large hail and damaging winds across the city and parts of southern Ontario.
The storm caused flooding, fallen trees, damaged power lines and widespread electricity outages. Toronto officials said the event produced rainfall levels that met the city's definition of a “100-year storm.” Global News reported that some parts of Toronto received about 150 millimetres of rain within a few hours.
Flooding And Power Outages Hit Toronto
The Don River overflowed during the storm. Flooding forced closures on parts of the Don Valley Parkway and other major roads. The DVP reopened Thursday morning after water levels fell and crews cleared affected areas.
Toronto Hydro said about 45,000 customers lost power during the storm. The utility said roughly 90% of its customers had been restored by Thursday, while crews continued dealing with damaged trees and power infrastructure.
Toronto officials received about 1,000 storm-related service requests. Toronto Fire Services also handled nearly 1,500 calls during a 24-hour period. Officials said this was the service's second-highest daily call volume, behind the 2013 ice storm.
Rogers Stadium Sustains Major Damage
The storm also damaged Rogers Stadium at Downsview Park. Live Nation Canada said the 50,000-capacity outdoor venue suffered “significant damage.” No injuries were reported.
Images from the site showed damaged grandstands, displaced seats and debris. Live Nation said it was assessing the full extent of the damage.
The venue is scheduled to host AC/DC on Sept. 16. Live Nation's current event listing still shows the concert, but the company has not confirmed whether the storm damage will affect the event.
Toronto Faces Continuing Flood Risk
The storm has also highlighted the city's long-term flood-management challenge. Toronto has operated its Basement Flooding Protection Program since 2006. City documents say 67 flood studies have identified nearly 1,200 recommended projects.
The city is continuing sewer, drainage and flood-protection projects. One current project in Fairbank-Silverthorn is designed to reduce basement flooding risks for more than 4,656 homes.
Canada's 2026 climate assessment also examines changes in precipitation, floods and other parts of the water cycle. It provides scientific information for infrastructure planning and risk assessment.
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