toronto ice storm febrary 2017

Freezing rain causes TTC delays and power outages in Toronto

Slip sliding away. That was the story of many people's afternoon commutes today as Toronto witnessed significant ice accumulation over the course of the day. And it's not over just yet as the freezing rain warnings continue until early evening.

Cars have been found encased in ice, trees continue to groan under additional weight, flights have been cancelled, and unsalted sidewalks remain treacherous to navigate.

By the time 5 p.m. rolled around, reports of power outages began to circulate on social media before confirmation came from Toronto Hydro.

A photo posted by Mike Lynch (@mikelynch001) on

Streetcar routes on the TTC were hit particularly hard as people headed home from work. Ice build up on electric wires crippled cars and replacement buses had to face slippery roads and traffic jams before shuttling people home.

The 501 Queen, 506 Carlton, and 509 Harbourfront routes suffered what the TTC characterized as "extreme delays," some of which lasted as much as an hour.

So far, power outages have been concentrated in the area southwest of High Park and around Mimico, though Toronto Hydro is actively monitoring the situation. Freezing rain is expected to give way to rain sometime after 7 p.m., which will help defrost perilous streetcar and Hydro wires.

Here's a glimpse of some of the chaos on Toronto streets during the afternoon commute today.

Lead photo by

@christopher_alan


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2024 in Toronto

The breathtaking Mast Trail in Toronto follows a 200-year-old logging route

Moore Park Ravine is an escape from the city in midtown Toronto

The history of what was once Toronto's grandest mansion

This is how Toronto celebrated Victoria Day over 100 years ago

You can take in breathtaking valley views along the Vista Rouge Trail in Toronto

Downsview Park in Toronto is a massive urban park around an artificial lake

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years