Toronto Alerts: More Flooding & Power Outage Updates of July 9, 2013

flooding basement toronto

This is an update to my previous blog Toronto Alerts: Update on Flooding Impacts & Emergency Services July 8-9, 2013 .

City of Toronto Recent  Update: City services resuming following yesterday’s intense rainfall

  • City crews and the City’s Emergency Operations Centre have been working closely throughout the night with Toronto Hydro and the TTC to manage impacts to residents and restore services to residents as quickly as possible after yesterday’s intense rainfall.
  • Environment Canada advises that all weather warnings across the Toronto area have ended.
  • The main issue relates to a lack of supply from a Hydro One station in Toronto due to flooding.
  • Hydro One has made significant progress throughout the night to restore power to approximately 90 per cent of customers that were impacted by power interruptions caused by flooding at its Richview and Manby Transmission Stations (TS).
    • At its peak approximately 400 – 500,000 customers in the GTA  (Greater Toronto Area) were affected by the Hydro One outage yesterday.
    • Working through the night, Hydro One reconfigured its GTA electricity system to restore power to as many people as possible.
    • For this reason, the system is not yet stabilized and the potential for additional outages exists.
    • The Company is asking that people take steps today to conserve electricity and consider powering down heavy equipment such as air conditioners in order to reduce strain on the local system.
  • Most city roadways are open to traffic this morning, including:

    • Don Valley Parkway
    • Lake Shore Blvd.
    • Allen Expressway.
  • Some roads are closed such as
    • the Bayview Extension
    • Rosedale Valley Road from Bayview to Park Road,
    • and the underpass at King and Atlantic streets. There continue to be some limited impacts and closures to some local roads throughout the city.
    • Please note that there continues to be some limited impacts and closures to some local roads throughout the city.
  • Where traffic signals are out, motorists are reminded to treat affected intersections as a four-way stop.
    • Please report signal outages to 311.

TTC morning service update

  • With the exception of the Bloor-Danforth subway line from Jane to Kipling stations, the Toronto Transit Commission will be operating at capacity across the subway system this morning following yesterday’s storm that saw power outages across large swaths of the subway system, including flooding at Union Station.
  • While the TTC works to restore service to the west end of the Bloor-Danforth line (Kipling Station and its substation was severely flooded), 70 shuttle buses will operate between Kipling and Jane stations.
    • The TTC will keep the public apprised about restoration of service in the area.
  • Customers should expect longer than normal wait and/or travel times on bus and streetcars routes across the city, as some roadways may be damaged or contain debris.
    • The 504 King streetcar is not operating between Roncesvalles Ave. and Shaw St. due to flooding that occurred near Dufferin St.
  • Please note that in the event of a TTC Subway/RT service delay, shuttle buses cannot carry the subway passenger volume due to their lower capacity and road congestion.
  • Elevator Alert: Finch Station, mezzanine to kiss and ride, out of service.
  • Residents should refer to the TTC’s Service Alerts web page for details and up-to-date information at www.ttc.ca.
  • Information on service impacts for GO Transit commuters is available at: www.gotransit.com.

Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy, released the following statement today regarding the GTA storms last night:

“After one of the largest storms in the Greater Toronto Area in recent memory, the crews and management of our local distribution companies have worked through the night to restore power to many of our homes and businesses. They were joined by first responders, city and provincial staff. I would like to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication.

We are aware some areas are still without power and we thank people for their patience. Restoring power as quickly and safely as possible is our top priority.

I would also like to repeat the call from the Independent Electricity System Operator, Toronto Hydro and Hydro One for Toronto customers to conserve energy. This is the best way we can preserve reliability as work continues to fully restore power and bring all aspects of the system back online.

Easy ways to conserve energy include turning off unnecessary lighting, limiting the use of major equipment such as swimming pool pumps, and turning down your air conditioner.

Hydro One and your local distribution company will continue to provide regular updates.

For updates, please refer to the Independent Electricity System Operator, Hydro One and Toronto Hydro.”

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

Ontario, Canada

NEWS RELEASE

IESO appeals for reduced electricity consumption in Toronto

July 9, 2013

Toronto electricity consumers are being asked to reduce their electricity use today in the wake of yesterday’s severe flooding and power outages that hit many parts of the Toronto and surrounding areas just west of the city.

While more than 90 per cent of electricity service has been restored, supply within parts of Toronto remains uncertain given the need to reconfigure the system to work around those major transmission facilities that normally serve the City of Toronto but are now unavailable due to severe flood damage.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is appealing to Toronto consumers to reduce their electricity use where possible to help relieve the strain on the system.

“Consumer actions to reduce electricity use will help the IESO, Hydro One and Toronto Hydro manage the situation until major facilities are assessed and returned to service,” said Bruce Campbell, President and CEO of the IESO.
Consumers can reduce the demands on the electricity system by:
– Turning off all but essential internal and external lights;
– Set air conditioners to 26 degrees Celsius or higher, or use fans as an alternative;
– Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside; and
– Limit the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers and dryers and swimming pool pumps.

The IESO is responsible for managing the reliability Ontario’s bulk electricity system and operating the wholesale electricity market. For more information, visit www.ieso.ca.

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