Toronto, Brampton share safety reminders amid flash floods

eAwazLocal News

BRAMPTON— Areas within the City of Brampton are experiencing localized flooding due to heavy rainfall. As the City continues to monitor and respond to flash flooding, please avoid driving in the following areas if possible:

  1. Kenview Blvd. and Finch Ave.
  2. Gillingham Dr. and Bovaird Dr. W.
  3. Orenda Rd. and Dixie Rd.
  4. Clark Blvd. and Rutherford Rd.
  5. Brookland Dr. and Balmoral Dr.
  6. Avondale Blvd. and Birchbank Rd.
  7. Queen St. E. and Bramalea Rd.
  8. Torbram Rd. and Williams Pkwy.
  9. Rutherford Rd. and Clarence St.
  10. McLaughlin Rd. and Flowertown Ave.
  11. Bartley Bull Pkwy. and Harper Rd.

In addition, Heritage Rd. between Mayfield Rd. and Embleton Dr. and Wanless Dr. between Winston Churchill Blvd. and Mississauga Rd. are closed to vehicles and pedestrians.

The rainfall warning that was in effect for Brampton has been lifted (as of 1 pm on July 16, 2024).

To remain safe from flooding, residents should follow safety precautions:

  • Standing water may be electrically charged by indoor electrical systems and underground or downed power lines. Keep yourself, children and pets away from standing water and downed power lines
  • If water in the basement has risen above the electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace or electrical panel, do not enter the basement until the power has been disconnected by the local electric utility.
  • Floodwaters can move quickly and pose a risk of drowning. Protect your safety and do not drive or walk through floodwaters.
  • Building structures can be affected and become unsafe. Leave your home if there are any signs of potential foundation and structural damage, including to porches, roofs and overhangs.
  • Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Don’t drive or walk through flood waters.
  • Flood waters can contain sewage (may contain bacteria, viruses or parasites), chemicals and debris such as broken glass. Avoid low-lying areas. Keep yourself, family and pets away from flood waters.
  • Do not enter a flood area unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing.

If in danger, residents should call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. To report localized flooding on municipal roads and blocked storm sewer grates, call 311. To report any damage to private property caused by the flooding, residents should contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Residents can also review a residential guide to flood prevention and recovery for more information.

For more tips on what to do before flooding happens and what to do if flooding occurs, visit this website​. Visit Peelregion.ca/waste for information about disposal methods available for your waste.

​Emergency preparedness

Emergencies can strike any time and any place without warning. During these times, emergency responders will need to assist those residents in urgent need first. This means it is important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours during a major emergency. In these circumstances, you will need an emergency preparedness kit with adequate supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient. Find safety tips and emergency kit information at Brampton.ca/prepared.

City of Brampton Recreation Facilities

Recreation programs and services may be impacted by weather and conditions. For the latest updates, follow @BramptonParksRec on Instagram or visit Brampton.ca/recreation

Brampton Transit

Brampton Transit services may be impacted by weather and conditions. For the latest updates when planning your trip, call the Brampton Transit Contact Centre at 905.874.2999, follow @BramptonTransit on X (formerly Twitter).​

Also, the City of Toronto is continuing to respond to heavy rainfall, flooding and power outages that impacted residents yesterday. Below are the updates as of 6am: 

General updates 

  • Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is not forecasting significant rainfall today. Weather updates are available on the ECCC website:  https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-143_metric_e.html (opens in new window) 
  • The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) advises that water levels in the Don River are falling. Updates are available on the TRCA website: https://trca.ca/ (opens in new window) 
  • 311 received more than 930 calls since the start of the rainfall for service connection blockages, overflowing catchbasins  
  • A small number of City pools and community centres remain closed due to flooding or a loss of power. Residents are reminded to check the City’s website for service impacts: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-recreation-service-alerts/ 
  • There is flooding in various low-lying waterfront parks and on Toronto Island. The impact won’t be known until the water recedes in the coming days. 

Toronto Hydro  

  • There are about 3,200 customers without power, down from a peak of approximately 167,000.  
  • Toronto Hydro and Hydro One are working to restore power supply to all customers as quickly as possible.
  • Report outages to Toronto Hydro: https://www.torontohydro.com/what-to-do-during-an-outage (opens in new window) 

Public transit and commuting  

  • All roads, including the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, have reopened, with the exception of:
  • Bayview Avenue between Pottery Road and River Street.
  • Unwin Avenue. 
  • The City is working to reopen both roads as soon as possible. 
  • City crews worked overnight to clear debris and water from roads. 
  • The City will continue inspecting bridge, culverts and guardrails throughout the day.
  • A map of all road closures is available at www.toronto.ca/RoadRestrictions.     
  • TTC is operating normal service. The most up-to-date information is available on the TTC Service Alerts webpage: www.ttc.ca/service-alerts (opens in new window)  
  • Union Station is fully operational, and retail and food courts are operating normally, following flooding and power outages on Tuesday.
  • Metrolinx updates are available on www.gotransit.com (opens in new window).   

 

Basement flooding 

  • The City’s crews are available 24/7 to respond to flooding calls. 
  • In the event of a flooded basement:
  • Call 311 immediately to report basement flooding. During extreme weather conditions residents should expect high call volumes and some delays. Calls will be answered by the first available agent. 
  • Do not enter a flooded basement. If flooding occurs in your basement and your power is on, call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000 to disconnect your power. 
  • Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage caused by flooding. 
  • Reduce or eliminate water use in the home (don’t do laundry, wash dishes, flush the toilet, etc.), if you have already experienced a sewer backup or your backwater valve has been activated, as this household water could end up in your basement. 
  • Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning a flooded basement. Do not stand in flood water – call a professional for assistance. 
  • Learn how to protect your home and what steps to take if your basement floods at toronto.ca/BasementFlooding. 

General tips and advice 

  • Stay away from shorelines, rivers and streams, and use caution if travelling during flooding.  
  • Never drive through flooding or ponding, especially in underpasses. More information about road restrictions is available at www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions. 
  • Collection crews may be delayed. Residents are advised to put out their waste materials on their regularly scheduled day and leave them until they are collected.