Torontonians give each other a hand during recor-setting storm, floods

A record downpour in the GTA caused commuter chaos yesterday. Thanks to flash flooding, many Torontonians were stranded in their vehicles or wading through thigh-high waters as they attempted to make their way home to find their basements flooded, yards swampy and houses without power.

The Toronto Police Marine Unit worked with firefighters to shuttle stranded GO passengers to dry ground using small inflatable boats. Shuttle buses offered alternate routes home after most of the subway was shut down due to flooding.

As rescue teams sprung into action, many Torontonians did the same, helping each other navigate the scary weather.

Some soaked commuters sought shelter at the lakeside Tuck Shop at the Navy Wharf, the Toronto Star reported.

Texan Christian Williams, visiting the city to help plant a new church, got caught in the sudden downpour:

"It's wet," Williams, laughing, told the Toronto Star yesterday. "People have been really helpful. We’re just trying to decide whether we’re going to stay (downtown)."

George Newman's car filled with water as he attempted to drive to his friend's 80th birthday party. Good Samaritans helped him escape his submerged vehicle.

"The water was up to my stomach in the car and the power just shut off," Newman told CBC News. "There were men going into the cars to get us out and lift a few of the people that couldn't get out."

Reddit user "beautyofitall" wrote about a "sweet British girl" who gave her wool cardigan to her scared baby during the storm:

"Thank you! We had just escaped a cab that had been caught in the flood. My baby boy was really scared and cold, and your gesture was so greatly appreciated. Your cardigan is on the mend and in good hands. I would be happy to have it cleaned and return it to you, if only I could find you."

Redditor "rush68" shared the story of a stranger paying his cab fare yesterday:

"I was out with my girlfriend coming home in a cab, power out everywhere. When we exited a man in business attire waited patiently for the cab and offered his umbrella to me while I stood outside and my girlfriend attempted to pay with credit card. System was down and neither of us had any cash on us. Without barely any hesitation he offered to pay our fare saying he had a baby at home he needed to get to and when we tried to ask for a way to pay him back he just said, 'When you can pay it forward,'" he wrote. "Thanks for reminding us that people in Toronto can be absolutely amazing. We'll be paying it forward as soon as we have the chance."

Redditor "p0ntus" was offered a ride home from a stranger:

"I was standing at Lawrence station, waiting for the shuttle, with maybe 400 other people. The power was out, traffic was barely moving, and it was pouring out. I saw some guys in a car that looked about 20 (the guys, not the and asked to get in, not expecting much. Instead, they told me to get in to their already crowded car, and drove me, for about 1.5 hours, from Lawrence to Sheppard. For free."

P0ntus added, "If you're reading this, you're amazing people. Thanks a bunch."

In Mississauga, a 7-year-old child was swept up in the flooding. An adult came to the rescue just in time.

In Etobicoke, off-duty tow-truck driver Joshua Hudson rescued several stuck motorists.

Nearby, city councillor Doug Ford directed traffic at a dark intersection.

"Absolutely," he said in a message to the Globe and Mail. "Everyone was helping."

GTA dwellers, did you witness any acts of kindness during yesterday's storm? Share your story in the comments area below.