June 22, 2026, Toronto, ON – With summer storm season officially underway, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is reminding Greater Toronto Area residents that sudden downpours can trigger dangerous flash flooding.
Summer storms in the GTA can happen fast and hit hard. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and remnants of tropical hurricanes can quickly overwhelm rivers, creeks, and storm drains, causing sudden flooding with little warning.
Stay Alert. Be Prepared. Stay Safe
Track weather updates, avoid flooded areas, and take action to protect yourself and your family this summer.
When flooding is possible or about to occur, TRCA issues flood messages to municipalities, local agencies, school boards, elected officials, media, and the public – so you can get the information you need, when you need it.
Sign up for Flood Messages by Email and Text
Learn more about flood risk:
trca.ca/understanding-flood-risk
Spending Time Outside this Summer?
Conditions can change quickly
Stay alert and follow these safety tips
- Avoid rivers and waterways during TRCA flood messages. When TRCA issues flood messages, water levels can rise quickly. Stay away from riverbanks, streams, shorelines, parks, trails, and low-lying areas. Keep children and pets away, and leave the area immediately if conditions worsen.
- Be aware of changing conditions. Water levels can rise quickly both during and after a storm. Check real-time water levels for your area at trcagauging.ca.
- Stay informed. Monitor weather forecasts and Environment Canada alerts. Visit: weather.gc.ca.
- Plan ahead. Check traffic before you go and limit travel during storm events. Follow municipality and transit updates via your local municipal and public transit communications channels.
- Turn around and take an alternate route. Never drive, walk, or bike through floodwater. Obey road closures and watch for flooding in low-lying areas, underpasses, and near storm drains.
For Emergency Management and Safety Resources:
trca.ca/emergency-management-safety
Understanding Flood Risk
Urban watersheds in TRCA’s jurisdiction can respond quickly to heavy rain, causing rapid rises in water levels and potential flash flooding.
TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program provides municipalities with flood messages and information on the timing and severity of flooding.
Learn more: trca.ca/flood-forecasting-warning
Flooding in the Dixie-Dundas area of Mississauga – July 16, 2024.
Emergency Planning Resources
In addition to the flood forecasting and warning information provided by TRCA, emergency planning support is available from:
- Emergency Management Ontario
- Public Safety Canada: Your Emergency Preparedness Guide
- FloodSmart Canada
- Canadian Red Cross