Avoid water bodies due to flood risk in Mississauga and Brampton, CVC tells residents

The potential for flash floods due to heavy rain has prompted a warning for people in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and elsewhere in the Credit River watershed to stay away from all watercourses Wednesday night and throughout the day on Thursday.

Credit Valley Conservation, the organization that protects natural areas and watercourses in Peel’s three municipalities and several other communities, issued a flood outlook statement Wednesday afternoon alerting residents to potentially unsafe/dangerous conditions due to the heavy rainfall.

As much as 40 millimetres of rain, or more, is in the forecast for some areas, conservation officials said, adding “localized flash flooding and water pooling in low-lying roadways in flood-prone areas is possible. Stay away from all watercourses.”

The flood outlook statement, issued shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, comes after Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for areas that include Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Halton, Orangeville and Erin.

“Heavy rainfall with potential for severe thunderstorms is possible this evening and overnight. Rainfall amounts could exceed 40 mm,” CVC said in its statement, which is to remain in effect through end of day on Thursday or until further notice. “While no flooding of the Credit River and its major tributaries is expected, there is a possibility of localized flash flooding and water pooling on the roads and in flood-prone and low-lying urban areas. Urban streams and rivers may become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts, bridges and dams. People are warned to stay away from all watercourses and to keep children and pets away.”

A flood outlook statement is issued as an early notice of the potential for flooding based on a forecast of heavy rain or other weather conditions.

CVC said it will continue to closely monitor both the weather and water levels across the region.