Rain, melting snow expected to create hazardous conditions around bodies of water in GTA

Toronto police are advising people to be cautious around the harbour amid changing weather conditions.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is warning residents in the GTA to be cautious around bodies of water due to melting snow and periods of rain on Friday that will make conditions more hazardous.

“Flooding is not expected in TRCA watersheds, however due to the total rainfall expected combined with warmer temperatures and melting snow, all rivers may rise and flow faster than usual,” the agency’s Watershed Conditions Statement read.

“Due to the weather forecast, all rivers and streams in the TRCA’s jurisdiction should be considered dangerous with this weather system, as it is expected to cause rapidly changing water levels, faster and stronger flows, unstable riverbanks and unsafe ice conditions.”

Environment Canada said Toronto could see between 10 and 15 mm of rainfall on Friday. The national weather agency says the city will see a high of 4 C Friday, about three degrees warmer than normal for this time of year. More mild weather is in the forecast on Saturday, which will see a high of 4 C. Seasonable temperatures return on Sunday, which will see a high of 0 C.

Toronto police are also warning residents to be careful around the Toronto Harbour during the current weather conditions.

“Many people are taking unnecessary risks venturing out on the ice in Toronto Harbour, even approaching open water without a lifejacket or safety equipment,” police said in a statement on social media.

“With water temperatures this cold, tragedy can happen in seconds. Please keep your loved ones and pets off the ice.”