Numerous people had to be evacuated to safety on Saturday afternoon when heavy rains quickly flooded parking lots, streets and highways in the Greater Toronto Area.

The torrential rain also caused leaks in both terminals at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The airport said the water was under control and cleanup efforts were underway.

Although the airport is operational, Pearson said the rain caused several flight diversions and ground delays. As of 7:30 p.m., 12 percent of scheduled inbound flights and nearly 11 percent of outbound flights had been canceled.

“This has a significant impact on passengers. Travellers are advised to check with their airline before departing to the airport,” Pearson said in a social media post.

Several weather warnings were issued for Toronto and much of southern Ontario throughout the day, including tornado, severe thunderstorm and rain warnings. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Toronto could see 50 to 100 millimetres of rain.

“Further rainfall is expected to result in further impacts this evening and Sunday,” ECCC said in its rain warning for Toronto.

“Showers and thunderstorms are expected to ease slightly overnight, before more intense thunderstorms develop on Sunday as temperatures warm during the day.”

Ontario Provincial Police said Highway 427 between Highways 409 and 401, as well as the on- and off-ramps to Highway 401 toward Islington, were flooded.

The Don Valley Parkway exit to Bayview Avenue is temporarily closed due to flooding, the City of Toronto said.

The raging waters quickly inundated streets. In Mississauga, several intersections had to be closed due to flooding. The city’s fire department was busy responding to rescues, including a pedestrian clinging to a light pole at the flooded intersection of Dundas and Queen Federica.

He was treated by rescue workers and brought to safety. Several people, including children, also had to be rescued by firefighters from their vehicle, which was stuck in knee-deep floodwater.

“We are working hard to clean the areas as quickly as possible,” the City of Mississauga said. “Please keep space for city vehicles.”

Toronto police had to remind motorists not to drive through floodwaters after some vehicles became submerged. Police also reported flooding under some bridges across the city.

The rain also forced Woodbine Entertainment to cancel the remaining live races of the King’s Plate due to “unsafe racing conditions”.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) said 81 millimetres of rain fell in one hour. The federal agency added that heavy rains can lead to water accumulation on roads and flash flooding.

Meanwhile, a tornado hit Ayr, Ontario, causing major damage. Parts of the roof and walls of a hardware store were torn off.

According to Environment Canada, persistent rain is expected until Sunday.