A rainfall warning is now in effect for º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøand the city could see up to 60 millimetres fall by the end of Thursday, Environment Canada said, adding that there’s a risk of “flash floods” during heavier downpours.
Showers are expected to last into the weekend in the city, according to the weather agency’s . On top of this rain, Environment Canada said that the city could also experience the coldest late May temperatures since 1967Â this week.Â
The areas in Southern Ontario that are under a rainfall warning Thursday.Â
Environment CanadaHow long will the rain last in Toronto?
Thursday morning saw about 35 millimetres of rain dumped on the city, Environment Canada said in its , adding that 20 more millimetres are expected for areas east of the Don Valley Parkway before it tapers off in the evening. Thursday will see a daytime high of 11 C and nighttime low of 8 C.
Friday will also see up to 15 millimetres of rain with 20 km/h winds and a daytime high of 12 C. At night, expect a 40 per cent chance of showers and a low of 8 C.
As climate change worsens storms, many people don’t realize they’re in a flood-risk area. Use
Heading into the weekend, Saturday will warm up to 15 C with a 30 per cent chance of showers, with a cloudy nighttime low of 7 C.
Rays will peek through on Sunday with a mix of clouds and sunshine, plus a daytime high of 18 C. Skies will cloud over again at night with a low of 8 C.Â
Is there a risk of flooding?
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,” Environment Canada said, adding localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas.Â
Rivers in the GTA could see high water levels and greater flows, the º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøand Region Conservation Authority said in a  on its website. Flooding isn’t expected in TRCA watersheds, the conservation authority added.
Winter floods aren’t common in southern Ontario, but can happen when temperatures fluctuate —
Torontonians are asked to avoid all recreational activities in and around water, taking extra caution around shorelines and avoiding areas that are already eroding, the TRCA added. The water safety statement is in effect until the end of Friday.
To see whether your home is in a flood-vulnerable zone, check out the Star’s interactive map.
How can you protect your home from flooding?
You can also take steps to prevent basement flooding both outside and inside your home, the city said on its .
Outside of your home, Torontonians are advised to:
- Seal cracks or leaks, and seal all window wells
- Clear your eavestroughs and downspouts of leaves and debris
- Disconnect your downspouts from the sewer system, and make sure they’re draining properly
- Repair damaged weeping tiles, also known as a French drain
- Clear debris from roadside grates to allow water to enter
- Make sure the shallow ditches between houses are free of obstructions
Inside your house, you should understand and maintain your plumbing system, the city said. Avoid creating clogs by never flushing personal care products or dumping fats, oil and grease down the drain.
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