Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch issued for Mississauga; damaging winds and heavy rain possible today – City of Mississauga - Canada News Beep

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Yellow Level Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Red Tornado Warning for Mississauga.

Cars driving on a wet rainy road.

Residents should take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches and continue to monitor weather alerts and local media for updates.

Storm conditions are expected to continue through the afternoon across much of southern Ontario. Given the localized nature of thunderstorms and tornadoes, exact impacts and locations can be difficult to predict until storms develop and move into the area.

Storm conditions are expected to begin around noon today, with the most significant impacts anticipated through the early afternoon. These thunderstorms are expected across much of southern Ontario.

This storm brings a risk of damaging wind gusts and the potential for heavy rain and large hail.

Tornado reminders

Take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or a sturdy shelter when threatening weather approaches.
If no shelter is available, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.
If you are out on the water when threatening weather approaches, return to shore and seek shelter, if possible. Otherwise, move away from the path of the tornado to escape. Wear your lifejacket, lie face down and protect your head.

Rain reminders

Periods of heavier rain may lead to higher water levels across the city. For safety, residents are urged to:

Stay away from rivers, creeks, stormwater ponds and Lake Ontario.
Avoid low-lying areas that may flood quickly.
Watch for washouts near culverts and bridges.

Driving and outdoor safety

Wet weather can create hazardous conditions. Residents are reminded to:

Allow extra travel time.
Slow down and leave space between vehicles.
Drive according to road and weather conditions.
Avoid driving through flooded roads or pooled water.
Turn around if routes are not safe.

Pedestrians and cyclists should take extra care. Wet surfaces may be slippery and visibility may be reduced.

Fallen trees

To report a fallen or unsafe tree:

Understanding weather alert colours

Environment and Climate Change Canada uses colour-coded weather alerts to help people quickly understand the level of risk. The potential risk increases from yellow, to orange, to red.

Weather alert colour scale showing increasing risk from yellow to orange to red. Yellow alerts indicate hazardous weather with moderate, localized or short-term impacts. Orange alerts indicate severe weather likely to cause significant damage, disruption or health impacts. Red alerts indicate very dangerous and potentially life-threatening weather with extensive, widespread and prolonged impacts.

What is a flood watch or warning?

Flood outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding.
Flood watch: Flooding may happen in certain areas.
Flood warning: Flooding is happening or will happen soon.

If a flood warning has been issued, act immediately to protect yourself from danger and your home from flood damage.

How residents can prepare

Small steps can help reduce risk:

Clear debris from storm drains near your home.
Check downspouts and direct water away from foundations.
Secure loose outdoor items.
Prepare an emergency kit in case of power outage.

City response

The City of Mississauga is monitoring weather conditions and local waterways.

City crews will monitor storm drains and respond to flooding or water pooling. Residents can report issues online or by calling 311 (or 905-615-4311 from outside city limits). The City’s Office of Emergency Management continues to work with conservation authority partners.

Stay informed

Weather conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to:

For flooding concerns, call 311.

Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch issued for Mississauga; damaging winds and heavy rain possible today – City of Mississauga

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