Heavy summer rain facts and safety tips

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know on Aug.19, 2005, up to 175 mm of rain fell over Toronto in less than 2 hours. Total costs from damage associated with the storm exceeded $500M - the second largest loss event in Canadian history!?!

There are two different types of summer heavy rains that Canada experiences:

1. Large scale weather systems with long-term rainfall -
   These large weather systems can last several days. Environment Canada issues Rainfall Warnings for this type of event.

2. Short-lived thunderstorms with significant rainfall - 
   Within a short period of time, sometimes only minutes, localized downpours from thunderstorms can produce flash flooding. Environment Canada issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for these types of rainfall events.

Here are some useful heavy rain safety tips:

• Routinely monitor the Environment Canada weather forecasts for watches and warnings of potential heavy rains or severe thunderstorms with local heavy downpours.

• Know potential risks for flooding in your area and plan an escape route to higher ground but keep in mind the threat from lightning which is greater on high ground.

• During heavy rains, avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low lying areas and water collection areas. They can unexpectedly flood or overflow.  DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE ACROSS A FLOODED ROAD. You can’t tell the condition of the road under the water. 

• Stay away from power lines or electrical wires during floods.

• Monitor the provincial government flood forecasts and warnings.

The above is sourced from the Government of Canada Environmental Website.