Toronto city staff warn of potential local flooding and ponding the next couple of days, as the area is hit by significant rainfall.
There have already been flooding issues at the east-end beaches. Staff have been putting up armour stone and sand breakwalls along the shoreline to hold the rising water back.
The area got more than 100mm of rain in April, when the average is 63mm. This week, we are expecting 40-70mm of rain. The average for May is 74mm.
Staff say the ground is already saturated and cannot absorb much more water. Levels in Lake Ontario are about a metre and a half above average.
There are also preparations underway on the Toronto islands. Mayor John Tory says staff are in the process of deploying sandbags where needed.
An evacuation plan for island residents is ready if necessary. A staffed ferry will remain at Ward's Island overnight in case residents require shelter.
Staff say they have also been clearing catch basins to try to prevent or minimize flooding on roads across the city.
They are advising home owners to clear catch basins and eavestroughs on their own properties.