Severe thunderstorms struck Ottawa on Canada Day, bringing intense rainfall that led to widespread flooding and power disruptions across the city.According to reports, between approximately 70 mm and over 100 mm of rain fell in a short period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing water to accumulate rapidly on major roads.

Several streets became impassable as vehicles were forced to slow down or stop due to high water levels, and emergency services responded to multiple weather-related incidents throughout the day.The heavy downpour also resulted in localized power outages, leaving some residents without electricity as utility crews worked to restore service.

The storms formed part of a broader system of unstable weather affecting parts of Ontario during the holiday period, contributing to travel disruptions and altered Canada Day plans for many residents.

Public safety officials advised caution on roads and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas due to reduced visibility and flood risks.

While Canada Day celebrations continued in some parts of the region, the severe weather forced changes to planned outdoor events and highlighted the challenges of organizing large public gatherings during extreme weather conditions.

Meteorologists noted that the intensity of rainfall in Ottawa was significant for a single-day event, contributing to concerns about flash flooding in urban environments with limited drainage capacity.Cleanup and recovery efforts began as the storms moved out of the area, with officials monitoring conditions for additional weather activity.