TORONTO — With the Greater Toronto Area expected to see rain throughout the weekend, authorities are warning of potentially hazardous conditions near rivers or other bodies of water.
Environment Canada says rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 millimetres are expected in Toronto on Sunday, potentially causing localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads. Wind gusts of 60 to 80 kilometres per hour may also cause flying debris or utility outages.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority says that while it doesn't anticipate widespread flooding, local ponding or pooling of water in areas with poor drainage can be expected.
It says the combination of rain and already partially thawed or wet soil conditions will result in increased water levels and flows within rivers for the next couple of days, and that shorelines, rivers and streams in the GTA should be considered dangerous.
Special weather statements were issued for multiple parts of the GTA, such as the Vaughan-Richmond Hill-Markham region, where Environment Canada says the frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb rainfall.
The City of Vaughan is reminding residents that stormwater management ponds designed to gather rainfall are not safe for recreational use due to constantly changing water levels.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2025.
The Canadian Press
