It's going to be a very rainy Sunday in much of Ontario today.
Environment Canada has issued weather alerts for southern and central Ontario that include special weather statements advising of significant rainfall, or in some areas rainfall warnings that warn of heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
The advisory for areas under a special weather statement can change to a rainfall warning as storms move through.
We'll update our story as the situation changes (with better weather on the way Monday!).
Following are two weather advisories issued this morning:
2024-08-18
Rainfall warning issued for:
- Kitchener - Cambridge - Region of Waterloo
- Guelph - Erin - Southern Wellington County
- Halton Hills - Milton
- Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region
- Innisfil - New Tecumseth - Angus
Rain, at times heavy, is expected. The ground, already near saturation, has little ability to absorb further rainfall.
Hazards:
Additional rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm. Rainfall rates of up to 40 mm in an hour.
Timing: Continuing through today.
Discussion:
Showers and thunderstorms are expected again today. Extremely heavy rain fell yesterday, surpassing 100 mm over a few locations. Additional rainfall is expected to result in further impacts today. Locally higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
This weather pattern typically brings rapidly changing conditions between sunny skies and heavy downpours. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to taper to isolated showers tonight.
For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office.
Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details.
Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Avoid driving through water on roads. Even shallow, fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle or a person away. Don't approach washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks. Consider moving valuable items to higher levels.
Issued at 2024-08-18 5:38 a.m. EDT by Environment Canada:
Special weather statement continued for:
- Barrie - Orillia - Midland
- Owen Sound - Blue Mountains - Northern Grey County
- Listowel - Milverton - Northern Perth County
- Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County
- Burlington - Oakville
- Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region
Current details:
Significant rainfall is expected.
Hazards:
Additional rainfall amounts of 20 to 30 mm, leading to total rainfall amounts of up to 60 mm.
Rainfall rates of up to 30 mm in an hour.
Timing:
Continuing through today.
Discussion:
Showers and thunderstorms will continue today. Locally higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms this afternoon.
This weather pattern typically brings rapidly changing conditions between sunny skies and heavy downpours. Rainfall warnings may be required and issued on short notice to reflect rapidly changing conditions.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to taper to isolated showers this evening.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.