Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook

Note: A Flood Outlook Watershed Conditions Statement is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for conditions that could lead to high runoff and cause ice jams or lakeshore flooding.

Weather Conditions:

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) advises that Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has forecasted for a weather system that is expected to bring 15 – 25mm amounts of rainfall to the Greater Toronto Area. Rain is forecasted to begin early Tuesday morning and continue into the early afternoon with scattered thunderstorms with locally higher amounts possible.

Issues:

Current weather forecast suggests a higher potential for flooding from TRCA river systems due to the possible risk of thunderstorms associated with widespread rain in a short period of time, that could cause large amounts of water to flow into and overflow the rivers.

If the forecasted rainfall happens, all rivers may rise above their normal levels. All shorelines, rivers, and streams in TRCA jurisdiction should be considered dangerous as this rainfall may cause rapidly changing water levels and stronger and faster flows in TRCA rivers. TRCA watersheds have already received between 3 – 9 mm of rainfall over the past 48 hours and these wet ground conditions will reduce the capacity for further infiltration.

Actions:

• Stay safe around water by avoiding rivers and riverbanks, shorelines, and nearby trails.

• Keep children and pets away from fast moving water and slippery or unstable riverbanks and consider postponing water related recreational activities due to these hazards until conditions improve.

• Travel with caution by allowing extra time for commuting. Never drive, walk, or bike through floodwater since water can be deeper or faster than it looks, and watch for ponding in low-lying areas and underpasses, or near storm drains. Follow all detour and road closure signage.

• Stay informed by following local weather forecasts, and public alerts from Environment Canada.

• Share flood safety information by keeping neighbours informed, especially those without internet access.

• Municipalities and emergency services should consider reviewing flood preparedness protocols and increase monitoring in known flood vulnerable areas for changing conditions.

This Flood Outlook, Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect through 11:59 pm Wednesday, April 14, 2026. To report a flooding incident from a watercourse, please leave a message on TRCA’s floodline listed below. If you are in danger, call 911 immediately.