Learn how to Prepare for Severe Storms and Flooding
Summer storms are a familiar part of life in Ontario, but the storms we’re experiencing today are becoming more intense. Across the Credit River Watershed, short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events are occurring more frequently, increasing the risk of flooding in our communities.
As our climate changes, warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier downpours that can overwhelm rivers, streams and urban stormwater systems in a matter of minutes. While flooding is a natural process within a healthy watershed, understanding your flood risk and knowing how to prepare can help protect people, property and the places we all enjoy.
At Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), we’re working every day to help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change through science, monitoring, planning and public awareness.
Why Flood Risks Are Increasing
Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural hazards in Canada. While spring snowmelt has traditionally been associated with flooding, intense summer thunderstorms are increasingly contributing to flash flooding across urban and rural communities.
Several factors are contributing to this growing risk:
- More frequent and intense rainfall events.
- Increased runoff from roads, parking lots and other hard surfaces.
- Greater pressure on aging stormwater infrastructure.
- Increased development in areas that can be vulnerable to flooding.
These changing conditions reinforce the importance of preparing for severe weather and investing in healthy watersheds that naturally help manage water.
Healthy Watersheds Help Build Climate Resilience
Nature plays an important role in reducing flood impacts.
Wetlands, forests, river valleys and natural floodplains act like sponges during heavy rainfall, slowing runoff, storing water and reducing downstream flooding. These natural systems also improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and help communities adapt to a changing climate.
Protecting and restoring these natural areas is one of the most effective long-term investments we can make in building resilient communities.
How CVC Monitors Flood Conditions
Protecting communities starts with understanding what’s happening across the watershed.
CVC operates a network of real-time hydrometric stations throughout the Credit River Watershed that continuously collect information on rainfall, river levels and weather conditions. This data helps our flood forecasting specialists assess flood risk and provide timely information to municipalities, emergency responders and the public.
When conditions indicate flooding may occur, CVC issues flood advisories and flood messages to municipal emergency management officials and shares timely updates through our website and social media channels to help communities and residents stay informed, prepared and safe.
What You Can Do Before and During Heavy Rain
Preparing before severe weather can reduce risk and improve safety.
You can help protect yourself and your family by:
- Monitoring weather forecasts and local flood updates before heading outdoors.
- Staying away from rivers, streams and creek banks during and after heavy rainfall, as water levels can rise quickly.
- Never driving, cycling or walking through flooded roads or moving water.
- Keeping storm drains near your property clear of debris where it is safe to do so.
- Checking that sump pumps, backwater valves and downspouts are functioning properly.
- Having an emergency kit and family emergency plan ready before severe weather occurs.
If emergency officials instruct you to evacuate due to flooding, leave immediately and follow all public safety directions.
Stay Informed During a Storm
Residents can stay informed by:
- Checking current watershed conditions and flood messages on the CVC website.
- Following Credit Valley Conservation on social media for updates.
- Downloading the Alertable app to receive real-time public emergency notifications, including CVC flood alerts.
Signing up for CVC news and updates to learn more about protecting our watershed.
Building a More Resilient Watershed Together
While we can’t prevent every storm, we can reduce their impacts.
Building climate resilience requires collaboration between residents, municipalities, emergency management partners, Indigenous communities and conservation organizations. By combining science, natural infrastructure, informed planning and community action, we can better prepare for extreme weather while protecting the rivers, forests and wetlands that make the Credit River Watershed a healthy place to live.
Every action—whether restoring a wetland, protecting natural spaces or simply staying informed before a storm—helps strengthen the resilience of our communities today and for future generations.
CVC Foundation
The CVC Foundation works alongside CVC to inspire philanthropy and invest in projects that protect the lands and waters that sustain us. Community support helps advance restoration initiatives, expand natural infrastructure and ensure future generations benefit from a resilient watershed.
Know who to Contact During a Flood
If you see any potential property damage, call your insurance representative as soon as possible.
If water rises above your electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, or if it’s near your electrical panel:
- Brampton/Mississauga: Call Alectra at 1-833-253-2872
- Caledon: Call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235
- Halton Hills: Call Halton Hills Hydro at 519-853-3701
- Orangeville: Call Orangeville Hydro at 519-942-8000
To report localized flooding on municipal roads, blocked storm sewer grates or basement flooding:
- Brampton/Caledon/Mississuaga: Call 3-1-1
- Halton Hills: Call 905-873-2600 ext. 2603
- Orangeville: Call 519-941-0440 and follow prompts for Public Works
To report high water levels in rivers and streams:
- Call CVC at 905-670-1615 between 8:30 and 4:30 (Monday to Friday) and ask for the Flood Duty Officer.
- If you require assistance due to high water levels or flooding, contact your municipality. For emergencies requiring police, fire or ambulance, call 9-1-1.
To report sanitary sewer flooding (when wastewater or sewage from the sewer pipe that runs from your home to region’s main sanitary sewer pipe backs up into your home):
- Region of Peel: Call 905-791-7800
- Halton Region: Call 1-866-442-5866
- Orangeville: Call 519-941-0440 and follow prompts for Public Works
Know Your Flood Risk
Properties located near rivers, streams, wetlands or floodplains may face a greater risk of flooding during extreme weather events. Understanding your property’s flood risk can help you make informed decisions about emergency preparedness, home improvements and insurance coverage.
Watch for next week’s blog to learn how CVC uses floodplain mapping to identify areas at risk of flooding and support safer, more resilient communities.