Flood alert issued for areas in York Region, including Vaughan and Markham

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority weather statement in effect until Saturday, May 28

Yorkregion.com
May 27, 2022
Heidi Riedner

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood alert for areas in the GTA, including some parts of York Region.

Environment Canada is forecasting a weather system that may bring 20 to 40 mm of rainfall from tonight through to Saturday morning, with the chance of thunderstorms that could result in localized amounts of up to 50 mm of rainfall in total in northern GTA areas.

Thunderstorms are anticipated to bring high intensity rainfall but will be isolated and moving, according to Environment Canada.

Light showers this afternoon are expected to develop into heavier rain this evening and overnight.

The rain is expected to taper off Friday morning, becoming heavier again in the afternoon continuing through the evening and becoming lighter showers overnight.

By Saturday morning the rain is expected to have cleared.

Due to the total rainfall expected, rivers may experience higher water levels and greater flows.

Debris in areas impacted by Saturday's storm causing blockages may exacerbate rising water levels, the TRCA said.

The combination of slippery and unstable banks, and rising water levels, could create hazardous conditions near rivers or other water bodies.

In addition, heavy rainfall from thunderstorms could result in poor visibility and ponding of water in low-lying areas or areas with poor drainage.

The TRCA is advising the public to avoid all recreational activities in or around water at this time and to exercise caution.