Intense flooding closed roads, cancelled Canada Day celebrations and made a new rainfall record on Wednesday in Ottawa.
Photos and videos from residents showed roads completely underwater, and in some portions of the city, water crept halfway up vehicles parked on streets. Reports of basements flooding and cleanup efforts are underway Thursday after the nation’s capital experienced the heavy rain on July 1.
According to Environment Canada’s data, 118.4 millimetres of precipitation fell on Canada Day. This is about double the previous record — 58.9 mm — that was first set in 1959 at the Ottawa International Airport.
A smattering of power outages were reported across the city on Thursday morning. Parts of Nepean, Kanata and Bells Corners felt the impact as the storm slammed into the city.
The torrential deluge happened just after Prime Minister Mark Carney gave a speech to thousands gathered to celebrate the country’s 159th birthday
He finished just moments before a prolonged storm cancelled official events, including the evening fireworks.
Thunderstorms rolled through Ottawa for most of Wednesday afternoon, bringing strong winds, extremely heavy rain, lightning and threats of hail. More than a dozen flights out of the Ottawa airport were cancelled due to the weather.
The rain fell fast and intensely on Canada Day, forcing those on the roadways to pause before the dangerous conditions passed. (Hydro Ottawa)
Extreme flooding in Ottawa’s west end near IKEA. And just south of Bayshore mall. pic.twitter.com/v6aB35ENtI
— SM Design (@scotmccormack) July 1, 2026
Dark storm clouds over downtown Ottawa after a first round of torrential rain on July 1. (Cormac Mac Sweeney/ CityNews)
#ONStorm #Ottawa #Nepean Stormwater pond/creek near Colonnade Road in Ottawa. Almost as high as pedestrian bridge. Creek is roaring, 2nd storm system blowing through presently. pic.twitter.com/9KUbEZ8Rnr
— Sour Lauer (@KLLauer) July 1, 2026
Flooding on our street and side street. The water is at the sidewalk level!! pic.twitter.com/TqqVxdHBRT
— Jacqueline Roy (she/her) (@jacroy67) July 1, 2026
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