Environment Canada warns to expect ‘torrential downpours’

As the remnants of Hurricane Beryl appear headed to our area, Environment Canada this afternoon issued a rainfall warning for most of southern Ontario.

The weather agency says rainfall with embedded torrential downpours are expected, beginning overnight or Wednesday morning.

Conditions should improve Thursday.

Find more details and communities affected in the following news release:

Issued at 2024-07-09 1:54 pm

Rainfall warning issued for:
Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region
Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham
Barrie – Orillia – Midland
Bracebridge – Gravenhurst
Guelph – Erin – Southern Wellington County
Kitchener – Cambridge – Region of Waterloo
Innisfil – New Tecumseth – Angus
Halton Hills – Milton
Burlington – Oakville
Kitchener – Cambridge – Region of Waterloo
Owen Sound – Blue Mountains – Northern Gray County
Listowel – Milverton – Northern Perth County
Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County
Mount Forest – Arthur – Northern Wellington County

Current details:
Rainfall with embedded torrential downpours expected.

Hazards:
Rainfall totals of 40 to 60 mm, with locally higher amounts possible.
Torrential downpours giving rainfall rates of 20 to 40 mm per hour at times.

Timing:
Beginning overnight or Wednesday morning, and ending Thursday.

Discussion:
Periods of heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Beryl will affect portions of southern Ontario beginning overnight or Wednesday morning. Although confidence in the exact track of the weather system remains somewhat uncertain, these types of systems in the past have given very high rainfall rates in torrential downpours.

Rainfall amounts will likely be highly variable across the region, and some areas may receive in excess of 60 mm. Conditions should improve Thursday.

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.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to (email protected) or tweet reports using #ONStorm.