Toronto, Sept. 4 -- Violent thunderstorms and flash floods battered Southern Ontario this week, compounding a year of extreme weather that includes devastating wildfires and unprecedented insured damages across Canada.

The powerful storm system swept through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), bringing torrential rain, golf ball-sized hail, and destructive winds.

Environment Canada issued widespread severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings as the system developed, warning residents of the extremely dangerous conditions.

The sudden inundation serves as a stark pivot from the province's earlier environmental crises, highlighting a volatile weather whiplash.

The financial and infrastructural toll of these compounding natural calamities has b...