Heavy rain brings dangerous conditions to rivers and streams in Mississauga

Mississauga residents are being urged to stay away from streams, rivers and other bodies of water in the next couple of days as a spring storm bringing heavy rain is expected to create dangerous conditions in and near waterways.

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services officials put out the warning via a pair of posts to social media. They’re urging people to “stay away from all waterways.”

“A spring storm is expected to bring strong winds and rain today and Wednesday,” they said in a post to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. “Local waterways may become quite treacherous. Fast flows and rising water levels can make rivers and streams hazardous.”

In a flood outlook statement, emergency officials said that while major flooding of the Credit River and tributaries is not expected, “extended rain may result in flooding of low-lying  and flood-prone areas.”

They added “flows and levels will be higher than normal throughout the watershed.”

Mississauga fire officials offer the following advice to keep safe:

• keep family members and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water
• avoid any recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice-covered watercourses
• avoid walking close to or across riverbanks and ice-covered water
• if you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them
• if you see anyone who has fallen into the water and is in danger, call 911 right away if possible before attempting a rescue yourself

In addition to rain that could be heavy at times on Wednesday and Thursday, strong winds capable of bringing down tree branches and power lines are also possible.

Fire officials warn people to stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and to call 911.

“Never attempt to touch or move it. Always assume the lines are energized,” officials said.

Downed power lines also present a danger to people, fire officials say. (Photo: Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services X)