A 'Flood Outlook' is in effect for Toronto ahead of heavy rainfall

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has issued a ‘Flood Outlook’ as heavy rainfall is forecasted for this Thursday.

The flood watch was implemented on Wednesday, March 13 ahead of the wet weather, and remains in effect through, Saturday, March 16.

According to the TRCA, 10 to 20 mm of rainfall is forecasted to start around noon and will taper off early Friday morning.

There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms expected for Thursday evening, which could bring an additional 10 to 30 mm of rainfall.

TRCA has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook will be in effect through Sat, Mar 16, 2019. Many of TRCA’s rivers and streams have full ice cover. The rise in water levels from rainfall and snowmelt could result in a break-up of the ice. https://t.co/2kSDshstjg

— TRCA Flood (@TRCA_Flood) March 13, 2019

“In addition to the rain, temperatures are expected to remain above zero today until overnight Friday, resulting in additional runoff from melting snow, ” said the TRCA.

Take these steps to help prevent basement flooding: clear eavestroughs & downspouts, move snow away from the foundation, channel rain & melting snow to street catch basins, clear catch basins if safe to do so. More tips: https://t.co/hEFME5zyuU pic.twitter.com/6hxcnJMB1O

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) January 23, 2019

The TRCA also warned many rivers and streams currently have partial to full ice-cover, and the rainfall and melting snow may lead to ice-jams and localized flooding near culverts, bridge piers, and meanders.

According to the TRCA, ice jams have been observed at the Lower Humber at Old Mill (Toronto) and by Duffins Creek at Brock Road and Finch Avenue (Pickering).

The flooding alert is set to remain in place until the weekend, at which point the TRCA will re-evaluate conditions.

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