Heavy rain driven by the remains of Hurricane Beryl is back Wednesday afternoon and could lead to a messy afternoon commute.
Acting Sgt. Nicola Morris of the Ontario Provincial Police said out of concern over slippery conditions, the OPP is advising drivers to slow down.
“If you find yourself in a situation of hydroplaning, [put] two hands on the steering wheel, focus on where you’re going,” Morris said.
The remnants of Hurricane Beryl will drench the GTA, with periods of torrential downpours possible, Environment Canada said.
The federal weather agency has issued a rainfall warning for much of southern Ontario, including Toronto.
Rain began overnight and up to 60 millimetres are expected for much of Toronto and surrounding areas throughout the day, though some areas could see even more.
“If you’re out and about, especially the morning commute, it could be quite treacherous,” said Daniel Liota, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
Rainfall rates of between 20 and 40 millimetres are possible at times.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” Environment Canada says in its warning.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for much of southern Ontario, including Toronto, as remnants of Hurricane Beryl drench the GTA. The federal weather agency is forecasting up to 60 millimetres of rain on Wednesday. CBC’s Clara Pasieka has more.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has similarly issued a flood watch.
“The public is urged to stay away from streams, rivers, and shoreline areas. Avoid all recreational activities in or around water at this time, including fishing, canoeing, hiking, etc., as conditions can change rapidly,” the TRCA says.
Heavy rainfall is forecast to taper into scattered showers later Wednesday night and into Thursday, according to Environment Canada’s forecast.
Hurricane Beryl first made landfall in Grenada before moving deeper into the Caribbean Sea, where it hit Jamaica and eventually Mexico. It then weakened to a tropical storm as it moved over Texas, where it caused tornadoes and flooding.
“We do get remnants of tropical systems in the Great Lakes every now and again. But what is special about an event like this is that it brings a really tropical, moisture-laden air mass and that is what gives us the potential to get these really torrential downpours,” Liota siad.