The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has issued an early notice of the potential for flooding amid heavy rains forecast for Sunday.
Precipitation combined with warmer temperatures, frozen ground conditions and melting snow and ice will result in increased runoff into river systems, the TRCA said in a flood outlook / watershed conditions statement.
Water levels may change "very rapidly," the conservation authority warned.
The combination of slippery and unstable banks, and rising water levels could create hazardous conditions near rivers or other water bodies, the TRCA said.
The public was urged to avoid all recreational activities in or around water at this time, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Avoid areas already experiencing erosion or blockages with debris, the TRCA added.
"Please alert any children under your care of these dangers and supervise their activities," the TRCA said.
The flood outlook will be in effect until 10 p.m. on Monday.
A flood outlook is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, lakeshore flooding or erosion, or cause ice jams, the TRCA said.
