Greater Toronto Area breathes sigh of relief after powerful ‘100-year storm’

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is breathing a sigh of relief after escaping major injuries and deaths during what authorities described as a “100-year storm” this week.

The GTA comprises the City of Toronto and 25 surrounding municipalities, including Brampton and Mississauga, and is home to an estimated 200,000 Jamaicans – one of the largest and most densely populated Jamaican diaspora communities.

The area was placed under a red alert for several hours on Wednesday as severe thunderstorms swept across the region, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and hail.

The storm brought down trees, caused power outages and flooded several streets, while Rogers Stadium, a 50,000-capacity music venue, suffered significant damage. The stadium opened last year and has hosted international artistes including Usher, Bruno Mars and Chris Brown.

A red alert is the highest and most urgent level of warning issued by public safety and weather agencies, signalling an imminent, very dangerous or potentially life-threatening situation.

Despite the severity of the storm, no major injuries or deaths were reported.

Environment Canada says the Labour Day weekend, from Friday through Monday, will bring a mix of sun and clouds, with daily highs between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius and a 30 per cent chance of light, scattered showers.

- Karen Madden

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