Environment Canada predicts between 40 and 70 millimetres of rain for Toronto

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Environment Canada (EC) has issued a special weather statement and a rainfall warning for much of southern and eastern Ontario, and predicts between 40 and 70 millimetres of rain for the Toronto area, which could significantly effect City's river systems and the water levels of Lake Ontario on Friday.

Heavy rainfall. Image credit: Wikipedia

A news release reports said that the City and agencies including Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) are continuously monitoring the situation and are working with residents to prevent problems by minimizing flooding.

Toronto has already received more than 100 mm of rain since early April, which has resulted in some flooding in low-lying areas and the waterfront. 

Heavy and continued rainfall is affecting airline passengers and they are being constantly reminded to check flight information before coming to the airport.

There have been cancellation of about 170 flights at Pearson, and inbound flights have been delayed. 

In all affected areas, residents are being warned to stay away from banks of rivers and streams and low-lying areas and to call 311 to report any flooding issues.

The Ottawa area would be the most affected area by the end of this week, reported city of Toronto.

A state of emergency was declared in Clarence-Rockland, 40 kilometres east of Ottawa on Thursday.

Early Friday officials and volunteers from in and around the small town were filling sandbags and handing these to the residents in need.

Firefighters, north of the Ottawa River, had been asking residents in affected areas to evacuate their homes.

Closure of  Don Valley Parkway announced earlier as of 3 p.m. on Friday, May 5 for public safety due to anticipated flooding,  has been recalled. Updates regarding the closure would be provided when available.

Residents are reminded not go near rivers and streams throughout the city, avoid travel, and take extra care while driving, especially near pedestrians.

They are also advised to protect their properties and to check in on elderly neighbours or other people needing assistance. 

City crews are working to keep catch basins clear to avoid roads being flooded and are also monitoring for excessive ponding and flooding.

They are also patrolling low-lying areas that have been susceptible to flooding in the past such as the Don Valley Parkway, the Eastern and Western Beaches, areas south of Queen Street, Hoggs Hollow and the Bayview Extension.

The City of Toronto is asking residents to call 311 to report any instances of flooding on the roads.

Ponds on the roads had been formed as a resulted of current water levels, in the storm sewer under Lower Simcoe underpass, being above the usual catch basin level.

City of Toronto will continue to monitor the underpass. 

Residents should call 311 immediately to report basement flooding. Toronto Water crews are available 24/7 to respond to flooding calls.

City services and facilities in Toronto Island Park are currently closed or are operating at reduced levels.

Public access to and use of Five City-managed beaches, which experienced flooding during this week, has been restricted.

Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division and TRCA are collaborating in their efforts to resolve the problems in these areas.

Ferry Service and access to Toronto Island Park will be restricted to residents, staff and emergency personnel.

Regular ferry service to Centre Island and Hanlan's Point Docks is cancelled. 

Transportation of vehicles to Hanlan's Island Dock would be available whenever needed.


(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)