Vaughan warns residents to clear catch basins in advance of predicted severe rain, freezing rain

YorkRegion.com
February 20, 2014
By Tim Kelly

You’re asked to clear ice and snow from catch basins in front of your home this evening as a major rain storm is expected to hit the Vaughan area.

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning as a storm that could bring between 25 millimetres to 50 millimetres of rain is expected overnight tonight and into Friday. That predicted rainfall could measure up to 2 inches.

With the buildup of snow and accumulated ice over the past week, it’s feared the 20,383 catch basins throughout Vaughan could overflow.

City crews are out today removing snow and clearing as many catch basins as possible, but they will not get to all of them.

In addition, the city said it cannot assist with clearing water trapped between snow banks or on either side of a resident’s driveway.

For more information on the latest forecasts, check out Environment Canada at weatheroffice.gc.ca

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has issued a flood outlook watershed conditions statement indicating that forecast rainfall amounts and melting snow will mean higher than normal water levels and flows.

There could be flooding on roadways and in low-lying areas and dangerous conditions in rivers and streams.

People are urged to stay away from rivers and streams. That statement is in effect through Sunday, Feb. 23.