Severe Weather Impacts Southern Ontario: Flooding, Power Outages and School Closures

Southern Ontario experienced significant weather disruptions on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as heavy rainfall and freezing rain impacted travel, caused power outages, and led to school closures. Whereas Environment Canada lifted rainfall warnings for much of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the afternoon, eastern parts of the region and eastern Ontario remained under freezing rain advisories.

Flooding and Transportation Disruptions in Toronto

Heavy rainfall caused flooding on several Toronto roadways, prompting police to advise drivers to proceed with caution. Affected areas included:

• Gardiner Expressway near York Street
• Lawrence Avenue E. And Railside Road in North York
• Birchmount Road and Huntingwood Drive in Scarborough
• Northline Road and O’Connor Drive in East York

Police also warned residents to stay away from rivers and creeks due to faster-than-normal water flow caused by melting snow and heavy rain. CBC News reported on these conditions.

Toronto’s transit system was also affected. Streetcar service on the Dufferin Loop was temporarily suspended due to flooding, with diversions set in place before service resumed. School buses in Toronto, Peel, and York Region experienced delays of up to 60 minutes.

Widespread Power Outages

Over 30,000 Hydro One customers were without power across the province as of 4 p.m. On Wednesday, with the majority of outages concentrated in central Ontario, specifically in Minden, Bancroft, and Huntsville. CBC News detailed the extent of the outages.

Alectra Utilities reported that approximately 1,172 homes and businesses in Barrie experienced outages earlier in the day, with power fully restored by the afternoon. Crews are working to restore power, but restoration times may vary due to flooded and icy road conditions. Hydro One advises customers to check their live outage map for updates and to prepare an emergency kit.

School Closures and Watershed Conditions

All schools, child-care centres, and facilities within the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) were closed due to ongoing freezing rain. The TLDSB serves students in Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Muskoka.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued a “watershed conditions statement – flood outlook” effective until Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11 p.m., warning of potential flooding in low-lying areas due to rainfall and snowmelt.

Highway Closures and Driving Hazards

Eastbound lanes of Highway 401 at Holt Road and Bowmanville Avenue were closed Wednesday morning due to multiple crashes and flooding. Ontario Provincial Police warned drivers to avoid puddles to prevent vehicle damage and hydroplaning. Global News reported on the hazardous driving conditions.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate rainfall warning has been lifted for many areas, residents are advised to remain vigilant as severe weather continues to move across the province. Environment Canada forecasts periods of snow or rain throughout the coming week, with temperatures fluctuating around the freezing mark. Environment Canada provides detailed forecasts for specific locations.