Toronto and much of southern Ontario are bracing for significant rainfall as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued warnings for the region. Residents are expecting between 20 and 35 millimeters of rain to fall by the end of the day on Sunday, December 29, 2024, with some areas potentially receiving up to 50 millimeters.
Environment Canada has advised residents to be cautious due to the frozen ground, which has reduced its ability to absorb the anticipated rainfall, creating conditions ripe for localized flooding. “The frozen ground has reduced ability to absorb this rainfall,” the weather agency noted on its website.
Starting Sunday morning, the rain is expected to be heavy at times before tapering off later, with light showers possibly continuing through Monday. ECCC indicated, “Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” urging citizens to keep children and pets away from rivers, creeks, and culverts.
The city of Toronto has enacted its storm readiness plan and deployed crews to monitor and respond to weather developments. “City staff are actively monitoring today’s weather and crews are proactively removing debris from roads and clearing catch basins,” the city stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear pathways for water.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution; with the combination of wet roads and potential flooding, officials recommend slowing down and steering clear of any areas experiencing ponding or flooding, particularly underpasses.
Fog advisories have also been issued for parts of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), warning of near-zero visibility at times. While fog conditions improved later Monday morning, residents are still urged to remain vigilant as visibility may suddenly decline.
Weather warnings extend across much of southern Ontario, from Windsor to Peterborough, including places like Kitchener and London. Such alerts highlight the potential for challenging weather conditions, with almost the entire province affected by either rainfall or fog warnings.
Historical weather data shows December 29 holds the record for the heaviest rainfall during this day, with 34 millimeters recorded back in 1940, according to Environment Canada. Currently, the weather is unseasonably warm for the end of December, with temperatures expected to reach around 12 degrees Celsius before dipping for the upcoming week.
With major attractions like Canada’s Wonderland suspending operations due to inclement weather, the rainfall is impacting everyday life across the region. The venue's WinterFest was halted as safety took precedence, with all tickets for Sunday being valid for other dates throughout the holiday season.
Environment Canada continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary, encouraging residents to stay informed and prepared as the weather progresses. The agency has urged the public to remain cautious near water bodies and to plan travel accordingly amid the hazardous weather conditions.
This significant rainfall event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Canadian winter weather. The combined effects of rain, thawing ground, and fog create not only challenges for daily commuters but also highlight the necessity for preparedness during adverse weather conditions.