Toronto under rainfall warning, Environment Canada says

Toronto could see between 20 and 40 millimetres of rain Sunday afternoon, Environment Canada says. 

Freezing rain is set to begin around noon near the west end of Lake Ontario, spreading out to the east in the afternoon, Environment Canada said. Between 5 to 10 millimetres of rain is expected during the day, while 20 to 30 millimetres of rain and fog patches are expected for the evening.

The national weather agency enacted a yellow rainfall warning for the city, noting rain could be heavy at times. Environment Canada’s warning also states the frozen ground reduces the ability to absorb rainfall. 

Environment Canada also issued a yellow warning for freezing rain Sunday, noting it could lead to icy surfaces. Ice accretion or build-up of between 2 to 5 millimetres on some surfaces is also anticipated, Environment Canada’s warning states.

The weather agency is asking anyone driving or walking to exercise caution as roads and walkways could be icy and slippery, but difficult to detect. The warning extends to Oakville, Ont., Burlington, Ont., and Mississauga, Ont.

Some roads may become impassable due to possible localized flooding, Environment Canada said. 

Northbound lanes of Highway 400 were closed Sunday afternoon from Major Mackenzie Drive W. to Lloydtown-Aurora Road due to icy conditions and multiple collisions, but the highway reopened just after 3 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police said on social media.

The rain is set to ease Monday morning. But Environment Canada said Torontonians should expect strong winds Monday. 

The weather agency recommends clearing storm drains of snow and ice if possible, avoiding low-lying areas and staying away from rivers, creeks and culverts.

Water levels may rise, authority says

In a statement Sunday, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority said water levels may rise as a result of the expected rainfall.

“The ground in TRCA watersheds is frozen which will stop rain and melted snow from soaking in and makes more water run into rivers,” the TRCA said. “All shorelines, rivers, and streams in TRCA jurisdiction should be considered dangerous as this rainfall may cause rapidly changing conditions in TRCA rivers.”

Toronto will be cloudy with a high of 2 C, which will feel like -8 C with wind chill Sunday morning. Wind gusts will reach 40km/h. 

City advises caution, opens warming centres

The City of Toronto has advised residents to travel with caution and consider taking public transit because of slippery conditions.

City crews are salting roads and sidewalks, as well as clearing leaves from sewers and catch basins, per a news release Sunday.

The city has also asked that people clear leaves blocking sewers if it’s safe to do so in order to help prevent flooding.

The city has opened five warming centres for unhoused residents at the following locations:

• 136 Spadina Road.
• 81 Elizabeth Street.
• 349 George Street.
• 12 Holmes Avenue.
• 885 Scarborough Golf Club Road.

Flight delays, cancellations

According to Toronto Pearson’s flight statistics, 11 per cent of departing flights and 25 per cent of arriving flights are delayed. Three per cent of departing flights and seven per cent of arriving flights have also been cancelled at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

In a post to social media, the airport said it doesn’t expect major disruptions from Sunday’s weather but that passengers should check their flight status prior to making their way to the airport and allow extra time when travelling to Pearson.

“We’re monitoring the weather as rain and freezing rain move across the Greater Toronto Area,” Toronto Pearson said in the post. “Aircraft departing Pearson today may pass through our Centralized Deicing Facility before takeoff.”

Toronto Pearson spokesperson Sean Davidson added crews are keeping runways, taxiways and aprons safe for operations.

We’ll continue to post operational updates as necessary on X throughout the day.

Eight Porter flights have been cancelled at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and another 12 are delayed.

In a statement to CBC Toronto, Porter said flights are primarily affected due to the ongoing weather conditions.

“Flights are also being added, where possible, to assist passengers,” Porter said.

Strong winds expected for Monday

Environment Canada has also enacted a special weather statement for Monday as the city is set to get hit with 70 to 80 km/h wind gusts. 

The winds come as a strong cold front passes through. Environment Canada said areas with ice accretion from freezing rain will be most vulnerable. 

Local utility outages are possible as well as damage to roofs, fences, branches and soft shelters. Environment Canada recommends securing loose objects.