Severe hailstorm and heavy rain flood Toronto streets

Heavy rain and hail swept through the region on Thursday, turning streets into temporary waterways within minutes. Meteorological agencies reported that a rapidly intensifying convective system moved eastward across the area, producing precipitation rates that exceeded 30 mm per hour and hailstones up to 15 mm in diameter. Video footage shared on social media captured the sudden deluge, showing vehicles stalled in ankle‑deep water and hail accumulating on rooftops and road surfaces in a matter of seconds.

Emergency responders were dispatched to several municipalities as the storm progressed, focusing on clearing blocked drainage channels and assisting motorists stranded in flooded zones. Local authorities issued immediate safety advisories, urging residents to avoid nonessential travel and to seek shelter until the precipitation subsided. Weather officials continued to monitor the system, noting that conditions were expected to improve later in the evening, and they advised the public to remain vigilant for any residual flooding or damage.