Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued
Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Ottawa on Thursday, July 2, 2026, following a record-breaking downpour that drenched the city. The warning came after a night of heavy rain that set a new single-day precipitation record for the date, according to preliminary data.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
The downpour, which began late Wednesday, dumped more than 80 millimetres of rain on Ottawa within a 24-hour period, surpassing the previous record of 65 millimetres set in 2010. The sudden deluge overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to flash flooding in low-lying areas and basement flooding in many homes.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada has launched a helpline for flood-stricken Ottawa residents, urging affected homeowners to contact their insurers promptly. The bureau noted that the flooding could result in millions of dollars in insured damage.
Response and Recovery
Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley joined discussions on how the Mission is responding to the ongoing extreme heat event in the city, which has compounded the challenges from the flooding. City crews have been deployed to clear blocked drains and assist residents in flooded areas.
Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson said, “This was an extraordinary rainfall event. We’re advising residents to stay indoors and avoid flooded roadways.” The warning remains in effect until late Thursday evening, with the potential for additional thunderstorms.
Impact on Transportation
The severe weather has also disrupted travel. Highway 427 northbound lanes were closed at Finch Avenue due to a crash, though it was not directly linked to the storm. In Ottawa, several roads were impassable due to standing water, and OC Transpo reported delays on bus routes.
Meanwhile, a separate incident saw ten people rescued from Guelph Lake following a sudden thunderstorm, highlighting the widespread nature of the severe weather across the region.
