Ontario’s Weather Is Getting Hit With Heavy Rain That May Cause Flash Flooding & Outages
Environment Canada warns of washouts and strong winds that could toss loose objects.
Southern Ontario is in for a windy and wet night that will carry into Saturday with possible power outages, flash flooding, and winds tossing "loose objects."
Areas across Southern Ontario have been put under a special weather statement by Environment Canada, for a total of 32 statements.
EC is warning of heavy rains and winds "beginning tonight and continuing into Saturday night," so it's safe to stay if your Friday night plans don't include huddling inside your house – they're probably ruined.
In Toronto, EC warns of heavy rains between 25 to 45 mm, with wind gusts ranging from 70 km/h per hour to 90 km/h per hour.
Across southern Ontario, the amount of rain and the range of wind gusts vary, but the impacts of the weather are predicted to be the same.
EC is warning that heavy rains and strong wind gusts may cause a bunch of troublesome issues like local power outages, flash floods with possible "water pooling on roads," localized flooding in "low lying" spots, breaking tree branches, loose objects tossed in the wind and even washouts by creeks and rivers.
A "strong cold front" moving across southern Ontario is responsible for the rain and wind, and according to EC, "southwesterly winds" may show up on Saturday afternoon followed by "westerly winds" in the evening.
Northern Ontario also has had 8 special weather statements issued by EC also warning of heavy snowfall of up to 15 cm and a risk of freezing rain.
Freezing drizzle & snow to come
Parts of southern Ontario, including Renfrew, Pembroke to Barry's Bay, Burk's Falls to Bayfield Inlet, and Algonquin, are also under a freezing drizzle advisory.
EC says impacted areas are currently experiencing freezing drizzle or can expect it.
Drivers in affected areas are asked to "take extra care when walking or driving" as roads, highways, and walkways may be icy.
Fortunately, the freezing drizzle won't stay too long and is expected to end this afternoon.
After the rain, winds, and freezing drizzle have had their fun, temperatures will "rapidly fall" on Saturday night, creating the perfect environment for a gentle snowfall to develop.