A severe thunderstorm is leaving a trail of chaos in its wake across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario. Environment Canada put all of Southern Ontario under a severe thunderstorm watch on Saturday, with much of the area also under a severe thunderstorm warning.
A storm, marked by torrential rain and high winds, moved from London, Ont., through Waterloo and into the Greater Toronto area. “Take these storms seriously,” Global News’ Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell said in a tweet Saturday. Read more: Severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of Ontario cottage country as long weekend gets underway Environment Canada issued a similarly stark warning. “Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a very dangerous thunderstorm capable of producing destructive wind gusts, up to toon size hail and heavy rain,” the warning reads. “This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.” There were widespread reports of fallen trees, hydro lines and power outages.
Peel Regional Police said live hydro poles had fallen on a vehicle with its passengers still inside in Mississauga. The force also said hydro lines were down “and on fire” in Brampton.
Peel police also reported a tree had fallen on a house and truck in the Howden Boulevard and Hillpark Trail area of Brampton. “Numerous” traffic lights were reported as malfunctioning.