Photos: Storm sparks amazing light show in Toronto
Toronto was treated to a spectacular light show Wednesday night.
While there was no tornado, severe thunderstorms rolling through southern Ontario spawned lightning strikes that lit up the dark sky.
The lightning storm knocked out power for more than 20,000 homes and businesses in the province and lightning sparked a fire causing $100,000 in damages at a townhouse in the city's east end, near Sheppard Ave. and Meadowvale Rd.
Take a look at a few of the best shots sent in from readers below. We've also included a couple of videos that captured the intensity of last night's electric storm.
Branches of lightning illuminate the night sky as a bolt strikes the CN Tower. (Mark Adelson)
A bolt of lightning hits the CN Tower. (David West)
(Jon James)
Video: Lightning hits the CN Tower
(Guillaume Caty)
A series of lightning strikes are captured across the city. (Jillian Beatie)
(Michael Ventresca)
(Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star)
Lighting branches across the sky with the DVP in foreground, seen from Don Mills Road. (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star)
Video: Electric storm lights up the city
Lightning flashes over the field during a weather delay in CONCACAF soccer action between Toronto FC and FC Dallas at BMO Field in Toronto. The game was abandoned due to the weather. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)
A lightning bolt is seen over an appartment near St.Clair Ave and Bathurst St. in Toronto. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim)
Video: Lightning show
The Power Show of the mother nature. Isn't it?
Posted by: Sanjay | 08/25/2011 at 09:59 AM
That one strike pictured is actually St. Clair and Christie. We were out on our balcony a couple of blocks east and saw the lightning hit and a brief flash of flames and then it looked as if something was still burning somewhat. Overall, it was a great light show....
Posted by: themacguy | 08/25/2011 at 11:03 AM
Thank You ! That was beautiful !
I hope everyone kept safe.
From Corpus Christi, but born and raised in TO.
Marinella
Posted by: Marinella | 08/25/2011 at 11:16 AM
It's God's Punishment to us wicked sinners... repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!!!
Posted by: Omar Ahmed | 08/25/2011 at 12:44 PM
These pictures are awesome! I watched the storm from my car - out hunting for my teenager - and it was quite a show! I'm glad no one was hurt.
Posted by: Lida From | 08/25/2011 at 12:46 PM
I believe this was a lightshow put on by the old Gods as Jack Layton stepped into Heaven, it was a welcome to a true warrior! Well done Jack. Come again soon, we still need you!
Posted by: Rowan Kelly | 08/25/2011 at 01:49 PM
Feh. Who picked these? The picture I sent puts all these to shame. It's first on my Flickr page.
Posted by: Dan McCudden | 08/25/2011 at 10:07 PM
Be careful with lighting storm
Posted by: Ruben Salazar | 08/26/2011 at 10:09 AM