‘All rescue teams deployed’ in response to flooding across Mississauga: fire officials

People’s homes in addition to roads, sidewalks, parks and trails have been flooded in Mississauga due to torrential rain that hit the city and much of southern Ontario on Tuesday morning.

City of Mississauga officials said in a post to social media they’ve been alerted to numerous situations across the city and calls were still coming in well into the afternoon.

In one of many cases, Mississauga firefighters took to rescue boats to check on dozens of vehicles stranded in flood waters on a residential street in the city’s east end near Dundas Street and Dixie Road.

“Due to the significant rain, city crews are fielding several flooding issues on sidewalks, roads, parks and trails. We are also getting reports from some residents who are experiencing flooding in their home,” officials said. “Please do not dial 911 unless you’re in immediate danger or require assistance with rescue or evacuation.”

Residents can call 311, though, to report areas that have been flooded and any incidents of fallen trees.

Peel Regional Police are also responding to numerous calls of flooded roads and other areas in both Mississauga and Brampton.

“Numerous roads within the region have flooded,” police said in a post to X (formerly Twitter), adding drivers are being told to avoid those areas, “particularly under overpasses and low-lying places.”

Numerous vehicles were stranded in flood waters across Mississauga while in other cases drivers were able to make it to safety with their cars. Image at left shows two vehicles making their way along a flooded roadway near Elora Road in the area of Mavis Road and Highway 403. (Photo: From 905hub video)

Police said drivers who find themselves stuck inside their cars surrounded by water should “exit the vehicle as soon as possible” and “do not return to your vehicle to collect personal belongings.”

Mississauga firefighters said as of early Tuesday afternoon that all of their rescue teams had been deployed to various areas of the city as numerous buildings were flooded and drivers stranded on flooded streets.

“Numerous rescues are ongoing throughout the city,” fire officials said.

In a post to social media, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services officials said at one point in the early afternoon they were “checking the approximately 50 cars located on Queen Frederica Drive (in east Mississauga) to ensure nobody is stranded in the vehicles.” (see cover photo)

A car is surrounded by rising flood waters on Queen Frederica Drive in Mississauga’s east end. (Photo: Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services)

Meanwhile, city officials have advice for people whose basements and/or homes have taken in water.

“If your home or basement has flooded, remember to be careful. Don’t attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present,” they said. “If water rose above your electrical outlets, baseboard or furnace, immediately call Alectra at 1-833-253-2872 to report it.”

For those living in condos and apartments, the city urges them to contact their property management “if you are currently displaced from your home.”

Officials continue to urge caution the remainder of Tuesday and into Wednesday as situations — such as near watercourses in the city — are likely to remain dangerous.

“Avoid stormwater ponds, culverts, streams and rivers,” the city said on social media. “Use caution when travelling in areas where flooding has or could occur. If you are driving, travel to conditions, leave extra space for stopping, watch for taillights ahead and be prepared to stop. If walking or cycling, use designated crosswalks where possible. Never travel through flooding or areas where there is ponding.”

Credit Valley Conservation officials added people should be extra cautious around or avoid areas near the Credit River.

“The forecasted rain and already saturated soil conditions will cause water levels along the Credit River to increase and cause local streams and rivers to overflow and become dangerous. Keep family and pets away from all watercourses,” the CVC said in an online statement.

Next up: Runaway recycle bin (Queen Frederica Dr/Dundas Dixie area)
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