TORONTO, March 11, 2026 — Residents across southern Ontario and as far east as Kingston are being urged to prepare for significant rainfall beginning early Wednesday, March 11, after a rainfall warning was issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Canada’s trusted weather source is calling this a Yellow weather alert, with as much as 20 to 40 millimetres of rain is expected across much of the region and extending as far east as Kingston, with locally higher amounts possible where thunderstorms develop. The rain is forecast to begin very late Tuesday evening and persist throughout most of Wednesday as a series of low-pressure systems move through the area.
A Yellow Status warning means hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are moderate, localized and/or short-term. Yellow alerts are the most common.
Frozen Ground Raises Flooding Risk
Meteorologists warn that the timing of the storm will increase the potential for flooding. Much of the ground across southern Ontario remains saturated or partially frozen, limiting its ability to absorb large amounts of rainfall.
As a result, water pooling on roads, rising water levels, and localized flooding in low-lying areas are possible throughout the event.
The combination of rain, melting snow, and high water levels in local rivers and creeks may also cause conditions to worsen in some watersheds. Several conservation authorities across the region have already issued flood watches as flows are expected to increase significantly.
Travel and Safety Concerns
Drivers and residents are being advised to exercise caution as the storm moves in. Officials warn that water may pool quickly on roadways and in low-lying areas, creating hazardous driving conditions. Motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways and should remain alert for washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Residents are also encouraged to avoid flood-prone areas and monitor changing weather conditions throughout the storm.
Yellow warning – rainfall issued for the following regions
Simcoe – Delhi – Norfolk; Dunnville – Caledonia – Haldimand; Watford – Pinery Park – Eastern Lambton County; Sarnia – Petrolia – Western Lambton County; Chatham-Kent – Rondeau Park; Windsor – Leamington – Essex County; London – Parkhill – Eastern Middlesex County; Strathroy – Komoka – Western Middlesex County; St. Thomas – Aylmer – Eastern Elgin County; Rodney – Shedden – Western Elgin County; Woodstock – Tillsonburg – Oxford County; Brantford – County of Brant; City of Toronto; Uxbridge – Beaverton – Northern Durham Region; Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region; Pickering – Oshawa – Southern Durham Region; Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham; Belleville – Quinte West – Eastern Northumberland County; Cobourg – Colborne – Western Northumberland County; Kingston – Odessa – Frontenac Islands; Napanee – Consecon; Picton – Sandbanks Park; Gananoque – Mallorytown; Midland – Coldwater – Orr Lake; Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago; Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale; Lindsay – Southern Kawartha Lakes; Peterborough City – Lakefield – Southern Peterborough County; City of Hamilton; Owen Sound – Blue Mountains – Northern Grey County; Saugeen Shores – Kincardine – Southern Bruce County; Hanover – Dundalk – Southern Grey County; Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County; Listowel – Milverton – Northern Perth County; Goderich – Bluewater – Southern Huron County; Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County; Mount Forest – Arthur – Northern Wellington County; Guelph – Erin – Southern Wellington County; Kitchener – Cambridge – Region of Waterloo; Innisfil – New Tecumseth – Angus; Shelburne – Mansfield – Northern Dufferin County; Orangeville – Grand Valley – Southern Dufferin County; Caledon; Mississauga – Brampton; Halton Hills – Milton; Burlington – Oakville; St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region; Niagara Falls – Welland – Southern Niagara Region
12 hours ago – Environment and Climate Change Canada
Stay Updated
Environment Canada is urging the public to continue monitoring forecasts and alerts as conditions evolve.
For the latest information on flooding, residents can consult their local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Additional updates and resources are also available at Government of Ontario’s flood information portal.
Anyone who observes severe weather can report it to Environment Canada by emailing ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or posting reports on X using the hashtag #ONStorm.
With heavy rain expected across much of the region, residents are advised to stay informed, plan travel carefully, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions throughout Wednesday.
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