![\"Trail](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ice-Jam-1280-x-960.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhy is there a\u00a0higher\u00a0flood risk in spring?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Spring brings a mix of rapid snowmelt, heavy rain and breaking ice. These can all cause water to build up faster than the ground and drainage systems can handle.<\/p>\n
Rapid snowmelt\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Warmer spring temperatures can melt snow very quickly. When a lot of snow melts at once, the ground can\u2019t absorb the water fast enough. This is\u00a0especially\u00a0true\u00a0if the soil is still frozen underneath.\u00a0The extra\u00a0water\u00a0then\u00a0runs\u00a0off into rivers, creeks,\u00a0stormwater systems\u00a0and Lake Ontario. This\u00a0can raise\u00a0water levels and increases\u00a0the risk of flooding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Heavy spring rain\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Spring often brings\u00a0heavy\u00a0rainstorms. When rain falls on top of melting snow, the\u00a0extra\u00a0water can\u00a0be too much for\u00a0the city\u2019s\u00a0drainage systems\u00a0to handle.\u00a0This can cause water levels to rise in nearby rivers and creeks,\u00a0and increase the risk\u00a0of\u00a0flooding in certain areas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ice jams\u00a0<\/p>\n
In early spring, many rivers and creeks still contain ice. As this ice breaks apart, large chunks can\u00a0get stuck\u00a0at bends, bridges or other narrow points\u00a0along the water. These blockages act like temporary dams\u00a0and can cause\u00a0water to back up. When an ice\u00a0jam\u00a0suddenly\u00a0breaks\u00a0free, it can send a\u00a0rush\u00a0of water downstream\u00a0which may\u00a0trigger flash flooding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What is a flood watch or warning?\u00a0<\/p>\n Flood\u00a0watch: Flooding may happen in certain areas\u00a0 The\u202fCredit Valley Conservation\u00a0(CVC)\u202fand the\u202fToronto and Region Conservation Authority\u00a0(TCRA) issue these watches and warnings when conditions like heavy rain, melting snow or ice buildup could lead to rising water levels.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n If a flood warning has been issued,\u00a0act\u00a0immediately to protect yourself from danger and your home from flood damage.\u00a0<\/p>\n Protecting yourself and your family\u00a0<\/p>\n Spring thaws can happen quickly. Here are some steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this spring.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stay updated on weather and flood alerts\u00a0<\/p>\n Regularly monitor:\u00a0<\/p>\n These resources\u00a0provide up-to-date weather\u00a0updates to\u00a0help you stay informed and prepared for changing conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n View\u00a0Conservation Ontario\u2019s map<\/a>\u00a0to find out which Conservation Authority serves your\u00a0neighbourhood\u00a0in Mississauga.\u00a0The City works closely with all three local Conservation Authorities to\u00a0check\u00a0conditions and stay ahead of potential flood risks.\u00a0<\/p>\n Monitor\u00a0kids\u00a0and pets\u00a0near waterways\u00a0<\/p>\n Talk to children about the dangers of fast\u2011moving water, unstable riverbanks and rising water levels.\u00a0Keep a\u00a0close\u00a0eye on them to make sure\u00a0they\u00a0stay away from\u00a0creeks, rivers,\u00a0stormwater ponds\u00a0and Lake Ontario\u00a0where\u00a0water\u00a0can be\u00a0higher and faster than usual.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Keep pets on a leash and away from high\u2011water areas\u00a0as well.\u00a0Shorelines can be slippery, unstable and unpredictable\u00a0during rapid snowmelt.\u00a0<\/p>\n Have an emergency plan\u00a0<\/p>\n Take time with your household to:\u00a0<\/p>\n Review\u00a0flooding preparedness<\/a>\u00a0and what to do before, during and after a flood\u00a0 Protecting your home\u00a0<\/p>\n Fast-melting snow and rising water levels can increase flooding risk. Taking a few preventive steps now can help reduce water damage to your home.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Clear snow away from your home\u2019s foundation\u00a0<\/p>\n Shovel snow at least three to five feet away from your house (or as much as possible). Be sure to clear around window wells and exterior doors. This helps stop melting snow from seeping into your basement or getting through low entry points.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n Keep gutters,\u00a0downspouts\u00a0and eavestroughs\u00a0clear\u00a0<\/p>\n Ice in your gutters, downspouts and eavestroughs can block melting snow, causing water to overflow and pool near your foundation.\u00a0<\/p>\n Do the following when it\u2019s safe\u00a0or consider hiring a roofing professional to help:\u00a0<\/p>\n Remove ice dams or blockages in your gutters, downspouts and eavestroughs where you can\u00a0 Check\u00a0catch basins\u00a0for blockages\u00a0<\/p>\n If it\u2019s safe to do so, clear leaves,\u00a0snow,\u00a0ice and debris from\u00a0catch basins\u00a0near your home. This helps water drain properly and reduces the risk of street or property flooding.\u00a0<\/p>\n Report a problem with a catch basin\u00a0on the road\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0or by calling\u00a0311\u202f(905-615-4311\u202foutside City limits).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For more tips and guidance, the City offers a\u00a0Rain-Ready Home Guide<\/a>\u00a0to help you protect your home from heavy rain\u00a0and snow.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stay prepared\u00a0<\/p>\n Keeping a close eye on changing weather conditions, preparing your family and maintaining your home can make a big difference during the spring thaw. A little\u00a0preparation\u00a0now can help protect both your loved ones and your property as temperatures rise.\u00a0<\/p>\n Learn more about flooding\u00a0in Mississauga<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Media contact<\/p>\n City of Mississauga Media Relations<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFlood\u00a0warning: Flooding is happening or will happen soon\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nIdentify safe exits from your home\u00a0
\nUpdate\u00a0your\u00a0emergency contacts and ensure numbers are saved on everyone\u2019s phones\u00a0
\nMake sure everyone knows\u00a0when and how to call 911<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nMake sure downspouts extend\u00a0three\u00a0to six feet away from your home\u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
media@mississauga.ca<\/a>
905-615-3200, ext.\u00a05232
TTY:\u00a0905-896-5151
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