Heavy rain causes localized flooding reported on Gardiner Expressway, other GTA roadways

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Heavy rainfall causing pockets of flooding on GTA highways

Toronto under yellow warning with 20 to 40 millimetres of rainfall expected

Major ice storm hitting parts of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada

Toronto and many parts of Ontario were hit by heavy rainfall on Wednesday, causing some localized flooding on the roads.

The city was under a rainfall warning, yellow alert, for most of the day. The advisory has been lifted.

Environment Canada said between 20 and 40 millimetres of rain was expected.

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Toronto police said they received multiple reports for flooding on roadways, including the Gardiner Expressway near York Street, Lawrence Avenue East near Railside Road, Birchmount Road near Huntingwood Drive, and Northline Road and O’Connor Drive.

“Please use caution when driving,” police said in a post on social media. “Slow down, and drive to the road conditions. Give yourself time to get to your destination.”

The right lane of the southbound Allen Road off-ramp to Lawrence Ave West was also blocked due to flooding.

Flooding was also reported on the westbound express lanes of Highway 401 near Weston Road and on the eastbound collector ramp to Highway 400.

Police also warned residents to stay away from rivers and creeks on Wednesday, as the water is flowing faster than normal.

At around 7 a.m., the TTC said its 504 King streetcars were not servicing the Dufferin Loop due to flooding but service has now been restored.

The City of Toronto said crews are taking steps to reduce the risk of basement flooding.

“Crews are inspecting and clearing catch basins in low‑lying areas, and regular, year‑round inspection, cleaning and maintenance of more than 10,000 kilometres of sewer pipes helps support system performance during heavy rain," a statement from the city read.

Coulter noted that after the rain clears out this afternoon, so too will the mild weather.

“Wednesday will be the last in a string of unseasonably mild days. Once that rain clears to the east this evening, cold winds will fire up, and the temperatures are expected to return to wintery values,” Coulter said.

“Prepare for the risk of wintry precipitation for the end of the workweek. More snow or a mix is expected on Sunday. The beginning of the next workweek will be more settled but chillier.”

Environment Canada is calling for a high of 15 C on Wednesday, 3 C on Thursday, 4 C on Friday, and 5 C on Saturday.