September 22, 2026, Toronto, ON — As autumn begins, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is reminding residents to keep a close eye on changing weather conditions. Heavy fall season rains and tropical storm systems can cause water levels in local rivers and streams to rise rapidly, and sometimes trigger flooding across the region.
TRCA encourages residents to take precautions throughout the fall season, especially during and after rain events.
- Stay safe around water by keeping children and pets away from rivers, streams, and ponds, as water levels and flows can change quickly and without warning.
- Check road and traffic conditions before travelling. Never drive, walk, or bike through floodwaters. Water may be deeper, moving faster, or conceal hazards that are not visible.
- Stay informed by following local weather forecasts and public alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada and your municipality.
- Look out for your neighbours. Share flood safety information, especially with those who may have limited access to online updates or emergency alerts.
Sign Up for TRCA Flood Messages
Receive Flood Messages by Text, Email, or Both
SUBSCRIBE FOR TRCA FLOOD MESSAGES
- TRCA flood messages provide timely information when riverine or shoreline flooding is possible or expected within TRCA watersheds and along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
- Subscribers receive these messages at the same time as emergency services and municipalities, making it the most up-to-date flood notification system available in the region.
- Flood message emails provide details about weather conditions that may contribute to flooding, potential impacts within affected watersheds, and recommended public safety actions.
- Text message notifications offer a brief summary of the flood message type and a direct link to the full advisory, which is also posted on TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre webpage.
About Fall Flood Risks
Fall weather can bring intense rainfall that quickly increases water levels in rivers, streams, and low-lying areas, creating hazardous conditions and increasing the risk of flooding.
Southern Ontario may also experience the ripple effects of tropical storms and hurricanes moving northward from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf regions. When these moisture-packed systems combine with local fall rains, they can trigger widespread flooding and dangerous water conditions across the GTA.
It is important to remember that flood risks can develop rapidly, even after rain has stopped. Fast-moving currents, slippery riverbanks, elevated lake levels, and changing shorelines continue to pose serious risks to anyone near local waterways.
The legacy of Hurricane Hazel, which struck Southern Ontario in October 1954, serves as a powerful reminder of how severe fall flooding can be. That devastating storm reshaped flood management practices across Ontario and continues to influence how flood risks are managed today.
How TRCA Helps Keep Communities Safe
TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program monitors weather, watershed, and shoreline conditions year-round to support public safety and help communities prepare for flood risks.
When riverine or shoreline flooding is possible or expected, TRCA issues timely flood messages to municipal staff, emergency services, local agencies, school boards, media outlets, elected officials, and members of the public who subscribe to the notification service.
TRCA Issues the Following Types of Flood Messages:
| WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY | |
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Flooding is not expected. High flows, unsafe riverbanks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreation. |
| WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK | |
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Early notice of potential for flooding is based on weather forecasts calling for conditions that could lead to high runoff. |
| FLOOD WATCH | |
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Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services, and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare. |
| FLOOD WARNING | |
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Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. |
TRCA also issues flood messages for the Lake Ontario Shoreline.
Stay Informed This Fall
Stay safe this fall and share this information with your neighbours!
- Get TRCA flood messages: Sign up to receive updates by text, email, or both at trca.ca/get-flood-messages, and follow us on X: @TRCA_Flood.
- Check local conditions: Monitor real-time river and stream levels near you trcagauging.ca.
- Prepare yourself: Access flood safety tips and emergency preparedness resources at canada.ca/get-prepared.