TRCA now offers flood messages by text message, email, or both – it’s your choice! LEARN MORE.
As fall arrives, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is reminding residents of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area to be aware of potential flooding caused by heavy rainfall from lingering tropical storm systems or other significant weather events.
Why Fall Flooding Happens
Fall storms can often bring widespread rainfall, raising water levels in rivers and lakes, which increases the risk of flooding.
Southern Ontario can be affected by the remnants of tropical or hurricane systems carrying large amounts of moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. When this moisture combines with severe weather or persistent local rainfall, flooding can occur.
History also serves as a reminder of the risk of fall flooding. Last October, we marked the 70th anniversary of Hurricane Hazel, which caused severe flooding across Southern Ontario, washing out streets and bridges in the Greater Toronto Area, and changing Ontario’s approach to flood management.
Stay Safe This Fall
TRCA encourages residents to take these simple precautions to protect themselves and others:
- Stay safe around water by avoiding rivers and riverbanks, shorelines, and nearby trails during and after heavy rainfall.
- Keep children and pets away from fast-moving water, slippery or unstable riverbanks, and postpone recreational activities until conditions improve.
- Travel with caution by allowing extra time for commuting. Never drive, walk, or bike through floodwater, and follow all detour and road closure signage.
- Stay informed of changing river conditions in your area by following TRCA messaging, local weather forecasts, and public alerts from Environment Canada.
- Share flood safety information with neighbours, especially those without internet access.
Sign Up Now for TRCA Flood Messages
Receive Messages by Text, Email, or Both
Flood messages are issued when riverine or shoreline flooding is possible or expected in TRCA watersheds or Lake Ontario shoreline areas.
Flood message emails include weather conditions that may pose a flood risk, potential impacts on watersheds, and recommended public safety actions related to rivers, streams, or the Lake Ontario shoreline.
New text messages provide a brief statement on the flood message type, along with a link to the full message, which is always posted on TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre page.
How TRCA Helps Keep Communities Safe
TRCA Flood Forecasting and Warning Program staff
TRCA’s Flood Notification System provides a fast and convenient way to stay informed during potential flood events.
TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program monitors watershed conditions year-round to help protect communities.
When riverine or shoreline flooding is possible or expected, TRCA issues timely flood messages to municipal staff, local agencies, school boards, media, and members of the public who have subscribed to the service.
TRCA issues the following types of flood messages:
| Riverine Flood Message Types: | |
| WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY | Flooding is not expected. High flows, unsafe riverbanks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreation. |
| WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK | Early notice of potential for flooding is based on weather forecasts calling for conditions that could lead to high runoff. |
| FLOOD WATCH | Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services, and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare. |
| FLOOD WARNING | Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. |
| Lake Ontario Shoreline Flood Message Types: | |
| SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT | Potential conditions are forecasted to pose a risk to public safety from flood and erosion along lakeshore areas due to above-normal water levels and wave activity. |
| FLOOD WATCH | Critical high-water levels and waves are possible, which could result in shoreline flooding and/or erosion. |
| FLOOD WARNING | Critical high-water levels and waves are imminent and/or occurring, which could result in shoreline flooding and/or erosion. |
Stay Informed This Fall
- 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 river and stream levels near you at trcagauging.ca.
- Prepare yourself: Find safety tips and emergency preparedness resources HERE. Stay safe this fall and share this information with your neighbours!