Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is urging residents across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to exercise caution near rivers, streams and other bodies of water as melting snow and rainfall are expected to create hazardous conditions on Friday.
In a Watershed Conditions Statement, the agency said widespread flooding is not anticipated in TRCA watersheds. However, the combination of rainfall, warmer temperatures and snowmelt could cause water levels to rise and flows to accelerate.
“Due to the total rainfall expected combined with warmer temperatures and melting snow, all rivers may rise and flow faster than usual,” the statement read. The agency added that rapidly changing water levels, stronger currents, unstable riverbanks and unsafe ice conditions are likely.
According to Environment Canada, Toronto is forecast to receive between 10 and 15 millimetres of rain on Friday. The city is expected to reach a high of 4 C, approximately three degrees above the seasonal average. Similar mild conditions are projected for Saturday, with a high of 4 C, before temperatures return to seasonal norms on Sunday, with a forecast high of 0 C.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Police Service has cautioned residents against venturing onto ice-covered areas, particularly around Toronto Harbour.
In a social media statement, police said some individuals are taking unnecessary risks by walking on unstable ice and approaching open water without proper safety gear such as lifejackets.
Authorities are advising the public to avoid riverbanks, streams and icy waterfront areas until conditions stabilize.
