Mississauga residents should prepare for heavy downpours and strong winds this evening, with thunderstorms expected to cross the city between 6 and 8 p.m. tonight.
The storms are expected to move eastward and bring winds of 90 to 110 km/h, lightning and thunder, the City of Mississauga said in a May 19 weather update. Hail is also possible.
Rainfall totals are forecast at 20 to 40 millimetres, although the City cautioned that the amount is difficult to predict with certainty. Heavy downpours are expected to be localized.
The City is asking residents to prepare ahead of the storms and use extra caution when travelling. Its advice includes clearing drainage areas around homes and avoiding roads where water has made lanes impassable.
Clear drains and avoid flooded roads
Residents are being urged to remove leaves and other debris from storm drains near their driveways and in their backyards to help reduce the risk of flooding.
For drivers, the City recommends slowing down, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and allowing additional travel time. Driving should be adjusted to the weather conditions.
Drivers should not attempt to pass through flooded roads, the City said. If pooled water makes a lane impassable, motorists should turn back or divert to another route rather than continue through it.
The City also advises avoiding low-lying areas and watching for washouts around rivers, creeks and culverts.
City crews monitoring drainage
The City says it is monitoring local waterways and low-lying areas. Crews are also checking and maintaining catch basins on municipal roads, watching for pooled water and flooding.
Problems with storm drains on roads can be reported online or by calling 311. People calling from outside Mississauga can use 905-615-4311.
Residents with questions or concerns about flooding can also contact 311.
The City is encouraging residents to keep track of changing weather conditions, prepare their families and maintain their homes. It points residents to its newsroom for updates and to the Weather Network or Environment Canada’s WeatherCAN app for weather information.
