Toronto faced a tumultuous evening on April 29, 2025, as a severe thunderstorm warning swept through the city and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), causing widespread power outages and disrupting plans for the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff tailgate event. Thousands of residents found themselves without electricity due to high winds and storm activity, prompting emergency crews to respond to multiple incidents across the region.
Environment Canada initially issued a thunderstorm warning for Toronto, which was later lifted, although a special weather statement remained in effect as winds were expected to reach up to 80 km/h that evening. According to a spokesperson from Toronto Hydro, restoration times for power varied by area, with some homes not expected to have power restored until the morning of April 30.
As the storm approached, the weather conditions deteriorated significantly. Earlier forecasts had predicted a 70 percent chance of rain or thunderstorms, but by the evening, the situation escalated to severe warnings. Environment Canada cautioned that storms could produce damaging wind gusts and hail the size of a nickel. In some areas, such as Georgian Bay and Kitchener, there were concerns about "supercell" storms that could bring winds up to 110 km/h and hail as large as ping-pong balls.
At Scotiabank Arena, where the Maple Leafs were set to face the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the tailgate event was temporarily halted as heavy rain began to fall just before the game. Fans were advised to seek shelter, but the area reopened approximately 30 minutes later as the rain subsided. The arena's official Twitter account posted, "The Tailgate at Maple Leaf Square has now reopened. Tailgate pass holders are invited to queue at the entrance gate. We thank you for your patience."
In addition to the tailgate disruption, emergency responders were called to the area of St. Clair Avenue and Avenue Road after a tree branch fell on a woman, leaving her with critical injuries. Early reports indicated that high winds may have played a role in the incident. Toronto Hydro reported that there had been downed power lines due to the storm, urging residents to stay at least 10 meters away from any fallen wires.
The impact of the storm was felt throughout southern and central Ontario, with Hydro One reporting that over 80,000 customers were without power as the storm progressed. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) also issued a warning regarding hazardous conditions near rivers and streams, advising people to avoid recreational activities in those areas due to slippery banks and changing water levels.
As the storm raged on, the temperature was expected to drop dramatically from a high of 25 degrees Celsius in the afternoon to just 2 degrees by the morning of April 30. This sudden shift in temperature was attributed to a cold front moving in from the northwest, bringing cooler air in the wake of the storm. The forecast for Wednesday indicated clearer skies with a high of 13 degrees Celsius, although rain was expected to return on Thursday and Friday.
Experts advise that as thunderstorms approach, residents should take precautions to secure loose objects around their homes. Items such as lawn furniture can become dangerous projectiles in high winds, potentially causing significant damage. Keeping a weather app handy can help residents stay informed about severe weather alerts and prepare accordingly.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain unsettled throughout the week. While Wednesday may offer a respite with clearer skies, rain is predicted to make a comeback on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures hovering around 13 degrees. However, the weekend promises to be more pleasant, with mixed clouds on Saturday and sunny skies on Sunday.
As Toronto recovers from the storm, the community has shown resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions. The city and its residents are reminded of the importance of preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather events. With the playoffs underway, sports fans remain hopeful that the weather will cooperate for the remainder of the series.
