March thunderstorms to bring heavy rain, flood risk to southern Ontario
Flood warnings and watershed statements issued for southern Ontario as unseasonal warmth, rapid snowmelt, frozen ground, and heavy rainfall with thunderstorms increase flood risks
A complex storm will bring freezing rain and ice pellets to central and eastern Ontario, while southern Ontario faces heavy rain, and a localized flood threat.
SEE ALSO: Ice storm threat: Where in Ontario has the greatest risk?
Rain and thunderstorms move in Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing heavy downpours and a risk of localized flooding. Temperatures will vary as a warm front moves across the region.
Thunderstorms threaten torrential downpours into Wednesday
A strong storm system will impact southern Ontario starting Tuesday evening. Mild temperatures for a couple more days across the south will mean precipitation will fall as rain.
Warm frontal showers are expected near the Lake Erie shores and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by Tuesday afternoon, intensifying into heavy rain and thunderstorms overnight into early Wednesday morning.
Showers will intensify overnight Wednesday as a warm front moves north into southern Ontario. Embedded thunderstorms within the rain could bring periods of torrential downpours, thunder, lightning, and localized strong wind gusts.
The risk of flooding is elevated from the U.S. border through southwestern Ontario and the Niagara Peninsula, where heavier and more persistent rainfall, accompanied by scattered thunderstorms, is expected.
The risk of flooding will be elevated in these areas due to saturated, frozen ground and recent snowmelt, which have left waterways already near capacity.
Drivers should prepare for a slower Wednesday morning commute due to water pooling on roads.
SEE ALSO: Another Canadian March ice storm looms. Will it also be historic?
Rainfall amounts are forecast to range between 20–40 mm, with locally higher totals possible near Lake Erie.
Stay alert for potential weather advisories, and consider avoiding low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Ontario.