Heavy rain may cause flooding in low-lying areas, Environment Canada says

Toronto remained under a special weather statement on Thursday night with heavy rain forecast to continue into Friday.

Environment Canada said Thursday that 15 to 30 millimetres of rain have been reported in Toronto since Wednesday night, with higher amounts in some areas.

The forecast is calling for another 20 to 40 millimetres by Friday evening, the weather agency said.

"Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible," Environment Canada said in the statement.

The rain is associated with a slow moving low pressure system that will continue into Friday, it added.

Earlier on Thursday, the city was under a rainfall warning, however that has since been lifted.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) issued a water safety, watershed conditions statement on Wednesday, saying flooding is not expected in the region's watersheds.

But it said all rivers in the GTA may experience higher than normal water levels and greater flows, due to the expected rainfall. With slippery, unstable banks and changing water levels, conditions could be hazardous near rivers or other bodies of water.

"All shorelines, rivers and streams within the GTA should be considered dangerous as this rainfall will result in higher flows and rapidly changing water levels," the statement reads.

"Please exercise caution if you must be around any bodies of water, rivers or streams as well as the Lake Ontario shoreline."

The statement is in effect until Friday at 11:59 p.m.

The TRCA recommends people avoid recreational activities in and around water until then. Children and pets should also be kept away.