Sign Up for Flood Messages

In order to provide support to our municipal partners during storm events, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) runs a Flood Forecasting and Warning Program that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The program provides advice and warning to municipalities for the forecasted timing and severity of potential flooding events from rivers and streams.

How You Can Receive Flood Messages

Members of the public can receive flood messages directly from TRCA in two ways:

When flooding is possible or about to occur, TRCA issues flood messages to designated individuals within municipalities, local agencies, school boards, and the media.

These individuals are responsible for relaying the message to relevant individuals and departments within their organizations and activating municipal emergency response procedures, which includes taking actions to warn local residents.

TRCA may outline larger areas that have a higher potential for flooding. However, please be aware that any low-lying area has the ability to pond water — so please exercise caution during any rain or storm.

TRCA issues the following types of messages:

Watershed Conditions Statement (Yellow) – Water Safety

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety

High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors have made watercourses dangerous for recreational users, e.g., canoeists, swimmers, anglers, hikers, boaters, etc., but flooding is not expected.


Watershed Conditions Statement (Yellow) – Flood Outlook

Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook

Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could result in high runoff or ice jams or lakeshore flooding.


Flood Watch (Orange)

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch means that flooding is possible. Municipalities and individuals should prepare.


Flood Warning (Red)

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or is about to occur. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations. The warning may include forecasts of how high the water will rise and the time of the peak.


For more information, visit our Flood Message Types page.