Widespread power outages remain after damaging storms slam southern Ontario

Thousands across the Greater Toronto Area and parts of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe remain without power after a severe storm flooded streets, knocked down trees and utility lines.

Toronto Hydro reported early Thursday that roughly 8,300 homes and businesses were still in the dark, while the province’s Crown-owned power supplier, Hydro One, said more than 58,000 customers remained offline.

Localized flooding forced the closure of some major roadways, including parts of Yonge Street and the Don Valley Parkway, and suspended subway service during the Wednesday afternoon rush hour.

The intense weather brought torrential rain, large hail and the risk of a tornado to wide swaths of southern Ontario as skies darkened over downtown Toronto and hail pummelled neighbourhoods further north.

Video on social media showed large hail falling and downpours flooding vehicles and bus stations, sending people running for cover.

The storm also caused flight delays and cancellations at Toronto’s Pearson airport, and left some serious damage to Rogers Stadium, a 50,000-capacity music venue in the city’s north end.