TRCA issues water safety statement ahead of rainfall in the GTA
Posted August 7, 2023 2:18 pm.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is advising caution around waterbodies after watersheds received around 10mm of rain in the early hours of Monday morning, with more expected through Tuesday.
Environment Canada is predicting about 20mm to 30mm total rainfall as well as thunderstorms in the GTA that will last until midday Tuesday.
A special weather statement is also in effect for Pickering, Oshawa and southern Durham Region, forecasting between 20-40mm of rain, with a possibility for higher amounts.
The TRCA’s eastern watersheds in southern Durham region could receive up to 40mm of rainfall.
The authority says the expected rain along with the already saturated soil will result in increased water levels and faster flows within rivers.
“The combination of slippery and unstable banks and changing water levels could create hazardous conditions near rivers or other water bodies. All shorelines, rivers and streams within the GTA should be considered dangerous,” they said in a water safety statement.
They added that local ponding of water in low-lying areas with poor drainage can be expected, however widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time.
The TRCA advises being vigilant around bodies of water and keeping young children and pets away from the banks of rivers or streams as they may be unstable.
“Stay away from watercourses which will be experiencing changing water levels. Avoid areas already experiencing erosion or flooding,” they said.
The TRCA’s water safety watershed conditions statement will remain in effect through to the end of Wednesday.
