Toronto readies for flood risk as piles of snow start to melt this week

Toronto Prepares for Potential Flooding as Snow Melts

High levels of snow from recent storms are beginning to melt as Toronto faces warmer weather this week. Maan Alhmidi reports that city officials are preparing for any potential flooding by deploying crews to inspect and clear catch basins in flood-prone areas. The city has also positioned equipment in strategic locations to respond quickly to any flooding issues. Snow removal operations are ongoing to reduce the volume of snow that could contribute to flooding.

Weather Forecast and Flooding Risks

The Environment Canada forecast predicts that Toronto will experience warmer temperatures this week, with a high of six degrees on Monday and above-zero temperatures continuing until Friday. Showers are expected on Tuesday and Thursday. However, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has stated that it does not anticipate issuing any flood watches or warnings this week, as the snow and ice melt is not expected to cause significant river flooding.

Early Notice of Potential Flooding in Neighboring Areas

The Credit Valley Conservation (west of Toronto) has issued an early notice regarding potential flooding. Snow melt could result in watershed runoff of up to 25 millimeters through Thursday. The organization advises the public to avoid all water courses due to the possibility of increased water levels and localized minor flooding. However, significant river ice breakup or major flooding of the Credit River is not expected.

Snow Removal Operations Continue

The City of Toronto estimates that it will take three weeks to remove the large piles of snow left from two rounds of heavy snowfall earlier this month. This effort is critical for improving traffic flow and accessibility on sidewalks.

Public Advisories and Precautions

Residents are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and any potential flood messages. The city remains prepared to respond to any flooding incidents, with crews and equipment in place to address issues promptly.

Ongoing Monitoring and Response

Both the TRCA and Credit Valley Conservation will continue to monitor weather conditions closely. If there are significant changes, such as heavy rainfall, flood messages will be issued. The public is encouraged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions near water courses.