Lake Shore Boulevard, other key streets threatened by floodwater

Steady rainfall throughout the day has once again caused significant flooding in a number of neighbourhoods, as well on critical roads and thoroughfares in and out of the city. 

Lake Shore Boulevard from New Brunswick Way to Ontario Drive had been closed in both directions earlier but, according to the city, all lanes are now open to traffic.

The Bayview Extension, however, remains closed south of River Street.

• Urban flooding likely to worsen, say experts

The city has issued statements and social media advisories throughout the day gently warning drivers to expect their evening commutes to possibly be affected by the rainfall. 

The east end of the city has also seen high water levels exacerbated by the level of Lake Ontario, which is receding slowly because the ground on the Toronto Islands, as well as near the waterfront, simply cannot absorb any more water. 

Kew Beach Avenue is also facing quite serious flooding, specifically in the area where it meets Kippendavie Avenue to the south.

GO Transit impact

GO Transit said earlier that its flood alarms were activated along the Bayview Extension, and that trains along the Richmond Hill line could be impacted.

According to GO Transit spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins, crews are "literally standing by the tracks to make sure they aren't flooding."

She added, however, that customers should be extra vigilant about planning their routes home this evening. 

"Customers should really pay close attention all evening to [GO Transit's] Twitter account and their 'On the Go' mobile alerts to keep posted," Aikins said.

"Buses will also take longer and there may be other impacts as well."

Midtown power outage

Toronto Fire Services reported a possible hydro vault fire near Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue.

Toronto Hydro crews are responding to the potential fire, which has affected an estimated 1,100 customers in the midtown area. The service said in a tweet that the estimated time for return of power is 9 p.m.

There are pockets of outages currently in progress in different corners of the city, with crews responding to each, according to Toronto Hydro. The most current information can be found on the utility's website here, where outages are mapped in real time. 

High Lake Ontario levels

City of Toronto spokesperson Wynna Brown said city staff are monitoring road conditions carefully. 

"We know that the levels in the lake are very high this year," she said.

• Still underwater, Toronto Islands prep for a different kind of summer

Earlier this month, the city announced that the Toronto Islands would be closed to the general public until, at least, June 30.

The island beaches remain closed and event permits for Toronto Island Park are cancelled.