flood warning ontario

Flood warnings issued in Southern Ontario amid blast of warm weather and rain

The aftermath of a nasty Christmas storm is subsiding across Southern Ontario, but it might be subsiding a bit too quickly, as a one-two-punch of warm temperatures and rain substantially increase the risk of flooding across the region.

Over 16 cm of snow has descended upon Toronto since mid-December, accompanied by frigid temperatures as low as the negative double digits that have so far prevent major melting.

But, as of Thursday, the mercury has soared into the high single digits and threatens to crack double digits by Friday. And the melt has already begun.

A system of precipitation is also moving towards the region, expected to arrive by the weekend, and the combined effects of the warm air temperatures and rain have Environment and Climate Change Canada warning of potential flooding in waterways across the region.

The government weather agency warns that "rapid snowmelt when the ground is still frozen can cause flooding even in areas that have not flooded before," adding that "proper draining, even in winter, is important to reduce property damage."

The coming band of rain could bring as much as 25 mm to the Greater Toronto Area, according to The Weather Network, while even higher rainfall totals of 30-44 mm are predicted for southwestern Ontario.

Melting snow and the approaching system have already combined to trigger flood watches in Niagara Region.

A flood alert was issued by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority on Wednesday, while a region-wide alert followed on Thursday from The Weather Network, cautioning of localized flooding in waterways as mild temperatures, rainfall, and ice jams join forces.

Lead photo by

A Great Capture


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Lineups for the ferry from the Toronto Islands are already packed and chaotic

Someone tried to help at scene of Ontario crash and had their car stolen immediately

This race proves whether it's faster to 'ride the loop' on TTC subway or walk

Ontario is home to a second venomous snake species you may not know about

There's a new worst road in Ontario but Toronto's nightmare street is still up there

People are complaining about another feature of Toronto's declining waterfront attraction

Canada Child Benefit increasing soon and you could get nearly $7,800 per kid

A Toronto park is about to be totally transformed and here's what it will look like