Flood Forecasting & Warning Centre

Note: A Water Safety Watershed Conditions Statement may be issued when there are high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Weather Conditions:

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) advise that environment Canada forecasts a weather system that is expected to bring 10-15 mm of rainfall on Friday January 9th and another 10-15 mm of mixed precipitation on Saturday January 10th to all TRCA watersheds, as temperatures continue to stay above freezing. Rain and/or mixed precipitation is forecasted to begin midnight January 9th and may continue off and on until its expected to turn to snow on Sunday January 11th. Air temperatures are forecast to reach a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius the afternoon of Friday January 9th and will continue to be above freezing until early morning Sunday January 11th.

Issues:

Flooding is not expected in TRCA watersheds, however due to the total rainfall expected combined with warmer temperatures and melting snow, all rivers may rise and flow faster than usual over the next 2 to 3 days. Due to the weather forecast, all rivers and streams in the TRCA’s jurisdiction should be considered dangerous with this weather system, as it is expected to cause rapidly changing water levels, faster and stronger flows, unstable riverbanks and unsafe ice conditions. The ground in TRCA watersheds is frozen. This stops rain and melted snow from soaking in and makes more water run into rivers. This could cause water to pool in flood plains and in low-lying areas that do not drain well. Ice cover and cold water temperatures in rivers and waterbodies is also a danger as there is a higher risk of falling in because riverbanks and nearby areas are icy and slippery.  Where rivers are covered with ice and snow, warm weather and rain will result in the ice to break up and move downstream potentially causing ice jams.

Actions:

• Stay safe around water by avoiding rivers, streams, and nearby trails.

• Keep children and pets away from fast moving water and slippery banks.

• Consider postponing recreational activities on frozen surfaces during this time due to melting snow and ice and the potential for higher river water levels and flows as well as unstable riverbanks.

• Travel with caution by allowing extra time for commuting, and watching for ponding on roads, in low-lying areas and underpasses, or near storm drains.

• Stay informed by following local weather forecasts, and public alerts from Environment Canada.

• Share flood safety information by keeping neighbours informed, especially those without internet access.

• Municipalities and emergency services are encouraged to monitor water conditions and share safety information about public safety hazards such as high flows and unstable riverbanks.

This Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect through Sunday January 11th at 11:59PM.  To report a flooding incident from a watercourse, please leave a message on TRCA’s floodline listed below. If you are in danger, call 911 immediately.