Authorities on Monday closed several roads in downtown Toronto, Canada's economic hub, after massive slabs of ice began breaking off skyscrapers in the morning sun and smashing onto streets below. "Large sheets of ice have been reported falling from several downtown buildings," police said in a statement. "Current weather conditions are presenting safety concerns."
A winter storm had dumped several centimeters (inches) of snow on the metropolis last week, flooding parts of the city as it thawed. Then plunging temperatures turned melting snow to ice.
On Monday, local media reported high winds and ice wedges "the size of a kitchen table" falling from the CN Tower, the world's largest structure, and other city skyscrapers, their grip weakened by sunshine.
To avoid injuries, police closed the main freeway into downtown (Gardiner Expressway) causing traffic snarls, Toronto's financial corner (Bay Street) and its entertainment district (King Street).
"The closures will remain in effect as long as there is a danger to public safety," police said.
