It took a while, but the severe thunderstorms that were promised for much of Tuesday did eventually descend on the GTA, causing untold damage and even claiming a life.

Downtown, the rains first started to hit the pavement a little before 8pm, turning into a torrential downpour a short time later.

Hardly limited to the Toronto's core, though, there were reports of entire streets flooded and buses and cars trapped on those water-logged avenues in and outside the city. Rushing water shut down part of the Don Valley Parkway south of Bloor Street and flooded the intersections of Oakwood and Davenport and Leslie and Eastern.

But the wet stuff was the least of some people's worries.

A man was reportedly struck by lightning inside Christie Pits at Christie and Bloor, found there without vital signs under a tree that had been pierced around 8pm. He was taken to hospital, but sadly couldn't be revived.

"I saw lightning hit this tree right in front of my house," said one stunned witness. "At the base of the tree there was lying a man and I went to see if he was okay ... he was a different colour."

The victim's identity hasn't been released and police are investigating to make sure the man's death is at it appeared to be.

"The assumption is a lightning strike, but because nobody actually saw him struck by lightning we're searching the area under an abundance of caution," said Toronto Police Det. Marcel Chiasson.

Cops are also warning drivers to take extra precaution on wet roads, especially when the harsh weather comes as quickly as it did Tuesday night.

The severe weather watch for the GTA had been cancelled by 11pm, though the damage -- including countless split trees and flooded basements -- will take hours, if not days to remedy.

The good news? Toronto Hydro had no reports of black outs, though several hydro lines were knocked down across the city.

If you see any downed lines call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000.

Do you have great pictures from Tuesday's storm? We want them! Please hit us up at It's Your Story.

CityNews Weather

Photo Credit: CityNews viewer Rod Ryan