Ontario declares state of emergency amid record rainfall

Heavy rain over the August 1‑2, 2026 weekend caused widespread flooding in southern Ontario. In the Quinte region, up to 80 mm of rain fell, prompting Quinte Conservation to issue a water‑safety statement and operate watershed dams to manage rapidly rising river levels. The agency warned residents to avoid fast‑flowing water and to secure property, noting that rivers have peaked and no further riverine flooding is expected.

In the Niagara Peninsula, localized totals exceeded 100 mm, with Grimsby recording more than 104 mm and St. Catharines accumulating 257.7 mm in the past week. The severe precipitation led the City of St. Catharines to declare a state of emergency on August 3, citing damage to homes and infrastructure. A tornado warning was also briefly issued in the Niagara region, and a possible tornado caused minor tree damage in Kemptville. Authorities advised residents in flood‑prone areas to check sump pumps, clear drainage, and stay cautious near water bodies until levels return to normal.