The GTA and surrounding areas are expected to see rainfall and strong winds on Sunday, starting in the early morning and continuing into the afternoon, Environment Canada said.
Wind gusts between 60 to 80 km/h are possible, with total rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 millimetres, the federal department said in a weather alert early Sunday morning.
Rain with a risk of thunderstorms is expected, Environment Canada said. Strong southerly winds will strengthen Sunday afternoon ahead of a cold front.
Frozen ground in the affected areas has a reduced ability to absorb the rainfall, it said.
“Localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads are possible,” the weather alert read. “Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage.”
Power outages are also possible, Environment Canada said.
In a statement Saturday, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority said that while it doesn’t anticipate widespread flooding, local ponding or pooling of water in areas with poor drainage can be expected.
It said the combination of rain and already partially thawed or wet soil conditions will result in increased water levels and flows within rivers for the next couple of days, and that shorelines, rivers and streams in the GTA should be considered dangerous.
The special weather statement is in effect for the following areas: the City of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, northern York Region, Durham Region, Halton Hills, Milton, Newmarket, Georgina, Pickering and Oshawa.
Environment Canada issued a similar special weather alert for these areas on Saturday morning in anticipation of Sunday’s weather conditions.
