Brampton community prepares for another possible flood as heavy rainfall forecast – Toronto

A Brampton community affected by flooding last week is bracing for another heavy rain heading towards the area.

Environment Canada predicts about 15 to 25 mm of rain will fall between Monday evening and Tuesday.

Several homes in a small community that borders the Credit River near Churchville Road and Steeles Avenue had to be evacuated Thursday after chunks of ice broke off following heavy rain that day and caused a major ice jam.

More than 100 homes were first evacuated. That figure fell to 50 on Friday, with most residents able to return home on Saturday.

Brampton Fire Chief Bill Boyes said in an update Monday morning that crews were still pumping water from low-lying areas.

“We are still concerned about future flooding that could occur in the coming days,” Boyes told reporters. “As we know, precipitation will fall tomorrow.”

Large excavation trucks have been on site all weekend removing large chunks of ice.

Boyes said the plan is to continue using the excavators to break up as much of the ice jam as possible before rain moves over the area and to maximize mild temperatures. The situation will be reassessed over the next 48 hours, Boyes continued.

“The idea is to gradually break up small amounts at that ‘bend’ where the ice has come together and compacted,” Boyes said. “That way that ice can go down the river and then it will allow the rest of the water to flow out.”

“There is water flowing in the river at the moment, but that will help, naturally, to allow him to move. Especially before we have more precipitation tomorrow.

Boyes also said Monday there were still six residents who were unable to return home.

It also warns area residents to be aware of the weather and to take precautions.

Meanwhile, for the rain that is coming, Environment Canada warns that “frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb that rain.”