Welcome to TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre. The FFW program consists of daily operations by on-call Flood Duty Officers and also the maintenance of flood control infrastructure (including flood control dams and an extensive gauge network). Please click on the links to see highlights of the many initiatives being undertaken by the TRCA Flood Forecasting and Warning program.
Click here for more information on flooding and safetyWatershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook
Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook in effect until March 28, 2023
Date:
March 24, 2023
Time:
3:15 PM
Issued To:
School boards, Municipalities, Local Conservation Authority, Local Police, Emergency services and media
Weather Conditions:
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) advises that precipitation ranging from 15 mm to 25 mm of rain is expected on Saturday March 25th with mixed precipitation in the morning changing to rain, and tapering off in the evening. Rainfall/snow amounts will vary across TRCA watersheds. Daytime temperatures will be above freezing, which will contribute to snowmelt. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for this mixed precipitation and wind system. Additionally, strong wind gusts of 70-80 km/hr in parts of the Greater Toronto Area can be expected.
Issues:
The forecasted precipitation and above zero temperatures combined with partially frozen and saturated ground conditions will result in the continuation of snowmelt and above normal water levels and flows within TRCA rivers. Elevated water levels and flows are expected to continue through the weekend and likely into early next week. Additionally, forecasted wind gusts and offshore wave heights could create hazardous conditions near the Lake Ontario shoreline.
The combination of slippery and unstable banks, and changing water levels could create hazardous conditions near rivers or other water bodies. All shorelines, rivers and streams within the GTA should be considered dangerous as continuing snowmelt will result in higher water levels and faster flows. Flooding or ponding of water in low-lying areas or areas with poor drainage may be expected.
Actions:
Stay away from watercourses which will be experiencing changing water levels throughout this event. Avoid areas already experiencing erosion or flooding and areas previously covered by ice. Please alert any children under your care of these dangers and supervise their activities. Please keep children and pets away from banks as they will be slippery and unstable. Avoid driving through ponded areas or underpasses with deep water. Allow more time for commuting and be aware of potential transportation impacts.
This Flood Outlook, Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect through to the end of Tuesday, March 28, 2023. 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.
For more information please contact the on-call Flood Duty Officer.
Flood Duty Officer
Christina Bright
416-661-6514
Chief Flood Duty Officer
Rita Lucero
Note: A Flood Outlook Watershed Conditions Statement is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.