GTA residents told to be careful around rivers after long weekend rain

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority replaces Flood Watch with Water Safety Statement

CBC.ca
August 5, 2020

Residents in the Greater Toronto Area are being told to be careful around rivers in the region after much rain on the August long weekend.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) cancelled a flood watch it issued on Monday afternoon and issued a water safety statement instead that is in effect until Wednesday.

It said rivers and streams in the GTA may be higher and flowing faster than usual due to a large volume of rain in the last two days. It urged people to be cautious around all watercourses.

Watersheds in the GTA received between 20 millimetres of rain on Monday, with some receiving 35 millimetres.

"Total rainfall amounts from the last two days have resulted in saturated soil conditions and higher than normal water levels in all of our rivers and streams," it said in the statement.

Environment Canada says light rain is possible overnight into Tuesday, when there could be a chance of isolated showers with risk of thunderstorm. Some areas in the GTA could receive between 5 and 10 millimetres of rain on Tuesday.

"Due to the total rainfall amounts received in the last 48 hours, all rivers within the GTA may be experiencing higher than normal flows and water levels, resulting in hazardous conditions," the TRCA said.

"River and stream banks may be slippery and unstable. It will take some time for the additional water volumes to move through the watersheds before draining into Lake Ontario. Low-lying areas or areas with poor drainage where ponding has occurred may take some time to return to normal."

Avoid recreational activities on, near watercourses

Residents are urged to avoid recreational activities on or near watercourses. They are also urged to use caution around all rivers, streams and shoreline areas and monitor conditions closely.

Children and pets should be kept away from banks because they may be slippery. And people should avoid areas experiencing flooding and erosion.