Toronto is in for a wet day this Sunday, with Environment Canada predicting 20 to 40 millimeters of rain in the afternoon. The rain is expected to begin as freezing rain around noon, moving eastward across the city. This initial freeze could create hazardous conditions as icy patches form.
The weather service issued a yellow warning, cautioning that the frozen ground won’t soak up the rain, which could lead to flooding in some areas. They also forecast between 2 to 5 millimeters of ice buildup. Drivers and pedestrians should be especially careful, as walkways and roads can be deceivingly slick.
This warning isn’t just for Toronto. Nearby regions like Oakville, Burlington, and Mississauga are also on alert. Some roads might become impassable due to localized flooding. In fact, northbound lanes of Highway 400 were temporarily closed on Sunday afternoon due to multiple accidents caused by icy conditions.
As the rain eases on Monday, watch out for strong winds gusting up to 80 km/h. Environment Canada suggests clearing storm drains and avoiding low-lying areas to minimize flooding risk.
In a statement, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority warned that rising water levels could make rivers and shorelines particularly dangerous. “With the ground frozen, rainwater won’t be absorbed, leading to more runoff,” they said.
Despite the bad weather, the City of Toronto reminds everyone to take care while traveling. City workers are salting roads and clearing debris from storm drains, but residents can help by removing leaves from sewers if it’s safe to do so.
Additional support is available for those in need. The city has opened five warming centers for unhoused residents, located at:
- 136 Spadina Road
- 81 Elizabeth Street
- 349 George Street
- 12 Holmes Avenue
- 885 Scarborough Golf Club Road
Flight operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport are also feeling the impact. About 11% of departing flights and 25% of arriving flights are delayed. Three percent of departures and seven percent of arrivals have been canceled. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Porter Airlines is experiencing disruptions as well, with eight flights canceled and another 12 delayed. They plan to add flights where possible to help travelers.
Looking ahead, Monday’s strong winds can cause additional issues. According to Environment Canada, potential utility outages and damage to property could occur, especially where ice accumulation has formed. It’s a good time to secure any loose outdoor items.
Toronto residents should stay informed and prepared as the weather changes rapidly. Looking for reliable information and forecasts from trusted sources can greatly assist in navigating these conditions. For detailed updates, check out Environment Canada.
