Toronto and GTA under special weather statement as heavy rain, thunderstorms forecast

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Toronto and much of the Greater Toronto Area, warning that heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to localised flooding this weekend.

The weather agency said showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop late on Saturday and continue into Sunday.

“Showers and thunderstorms will repeatedly move through the region. Localized heavy rainfall is possible for areas that receive multiple thunderstorms,” Environment Canada said.

The agency added that some areas could receive up to 50 millimetres of rain.

It also warned that “Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at times.”

The special weather statement covers Toronto, Halton, Peel, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Pickering, Oshawa, southern Durham Region, Hamilton and Niagara.

Meanwhile, rainfall warnings remain in effect across parts of Ontario's Cottage Country, including Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Parry Sound, Bancroft and Haliburton, where 50 to 80 millimetres of rain are possible.

Speaking to 680 NewsRadio, meteorologist Carl Lam said: “The rain will start to pick up as we go into the later afternoon and since there’s a lot of moisture in the atmosphere, storms that develop have the potential to drop a decent amount of rain in a short amount of time, which could lead to flooding in some areas.”

Residents are advised to monitor forecasts as conditions may change.