Remnants of Hurricane Beryl move into GTA, bringing heavy rainfall

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl are being felt across southern Ontario, including Toronto and the GTA, with Environment Canada warning of “torrential downpours” and rainfall rates of 20-40 millimetres per hour at times.

A rainfall warning is in effect from Windsor in the southwest to the GTA, and extending east to the Québec border and north to cottage country.

The National Weather Agency said between 40-60 millimetres of rain is expected in the region before it moves out by Thursday morning.

The warning states “heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Beryl” moved into southern Ontario on Wednesday morning, adding “these types of weather systems can give very high rainfall rates in torrential downpours.”

It also said the heaviest rain will occur throughout the day and into the evening, warning there could be flash floods on roadways and localized flooding.

Ponding occurred on some roadways in Toronto, including Lake Shore Boulevard near Ontario Place.

Canada’s Wonderland has announced it will be closing early at 4 p.m. Wednesday due to the inclement weather.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority also issued a flood watch, stating “shorelines, rivers and streams within the GTA should be considered dangerous as this rainfall will result in higher flows, rapidly changing water levels and unstable river banks.”

Environment Canada said rainfall totals will likely vary across the region, with some areas receiving more than 60 millimetres of rain.

“Rain will taper to scattered showers from west to east tonight through early Thursday morning.”

The rainfall warning comes after heat warnings blanketed much of Ontario over the last few days.

Cooler conditions are in store for Wednesday and Thursday with a high of 24 C but the temperature is expected to climb to the high 20s by Friday.

Check the latest on the forecast here.