Wild winds blast through Toronto

Monster winds are rocking Toronto this evening, knocking down trees and hydro poles, and leaving pockets of the city in darkness. There have also been isolated road closures in the west end due to danger from blowing debris.

Environment Canada issued a wind warning earlier this afternoon, calling for gusts of up to 100 km/h through the evening and into the night. So far, blasts of up to 80 km/h have been recorded within the City of Toronto. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 1 degree later tonight.

Toronto Hydro is reporting isolated blackouts across the city, mainly in the north and west ends. A total of 10,000 "customers" (that's buildings, not people) are without electricity and due to downed wires. Official advise is to stay well clear of fallen power infrastructure and call 416-542-8000.

Parts of Lake Shore Blvd. between (Albert and Mimico Avenues) and Superior Ave., between Stanley Avenue and Lake Shore Blvd. are closed due to blowing debris. Parts of McCowan and the Queensway are blocked by fallen hydro poles, according to police.

So far, there have been no major disruptions reported on the TTC.

The winds are expected to die down later tonight.

Here are some highlights from the wild weather on Twitter.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: MonicaTorresRdz/Twitter.

by Chris Bateman via blogTO