Following a deluge of heavy rain that drenched the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) yesterday, the roads have reopened, and life is gradually returning to normal. However, Environment Canada has cautioned residents that the danger is not yet over, as a heavy rainfall warning remains in effect for parts of the region.
The severe weather system that swept through the area on Friday caused widespread flooding, with the City of Mississauga being particularly hard-hit. The city recorded an astonishing 138 millimeters of rain in just a few hours, leading to creeks and rivers either reaching capacity or overflowing into parks, green spaces, and even residential neighborhoods.
Emergency services were kept busy throughout the day, responding to numerous calls for assistance. In one particularly harrowing incident, firefighters rescued a stranded pedestrian clinging to a light pole near the city limits of Mississauga and Toronto. Several roads and intersections were submerged, and at least nine roadways were closed due to hazardous conditions.
By Saturday morning, the waters had begun to recede, and the City of Mississauga announced that all roads previously closed due to flooding had been reopened. The cleanup effort is now underway, with city crews working to clear debris and assess the damage.
The heavy rainfall also impacted operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where several flights were delayed or diverted. The airport issued a statement on social media advising travelers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport, as more rain was expected throughout the day. This comes as no surprise, considering the area has seen similar weather-related disruptions in the past, with another major flooding event occurring just a month ago.
Despite the immediate threat having passed, Environment Canada has issued a warning for residents in the Toronto area to remain vigilant. The weather agency noted that the region could experience more heavy rain throughout the weekend, with the potential for further localized flooding.
Officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prepare for potential flooding, such as moving valuable items to higher ground, clearing drains and gutters, and avoiding unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain. They also reminded the public to stay informed by monitoring local weather reports and heeding any additional warnings or advisories that may be issued.
For the latest updates on the weather situation in Toronto and surrounding areas, stay tuned to Environment Canada’s alerts and advisories.