Flood risks issued across Ontario amid heavy rain, wet forecast

Some Ontario municipalities have issued flood notices after heavy rainfall doused parts of the province Tuesday ahead of more precipitation in the forecast.

Environment Canada projected total rainfall of 10 to 20 millimetres was expected to fall through Tuesday morning in the Greater Toronto Area, adding water was likely to pool on roads and in low-lying areas.

The agency also said after a break in the rain later Tuesday, another round of heavy rain could impact the region Wednesday.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for the region, noting the forecast suggests a “higher potential for flooding” from river systems. It says this could cause large amounts of water to flow into and overflow the rivers.

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As a result, the TRCA is warning people to avoid rivers, riverbanks, shorelines, and nearby trails and should consider them dangerous due to “rapidly changing water levels and stronger and faster flows.”

The authority added watersheds have already received three to nine millimetres of rainfall over the past 48 hours which could make it more difficult for the ground to absorb the water.

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority also issued a flood risk warning that will be in place until April 24; it said the water level in Lake Simcoe is eight centimetres higher than normal for this time of year.

Meanwhile, Kawartha Conservation says water levels and flows within Balsam and Cameron lakes are expected to rise to their maximum capacity until next Tuesday.

“Lake Scugog remains at its maximum capacity and Parks Canada is actively managing these conditions through the Lindsay Dam,” the conservation warns on its website.

“Sturgeon Lake, Pigeon Lake, and Crystal Lake are also expected to see a rise in water levels and flows as Parks Canada water continues to move through the Trent Severn Waterway system.”

Residents are advised to check their local conservation authority for the latest information.