On Toronto Islands, lawns are now small lakes

One of the areas hardest hit by the heavy rains is the Toronto Islands.

In addition to being a city park, the islands arehome to about 700 people.

• Storm CentreToronto

• Heavy rain could prompt Toronto to close Don Valley Parkway for afternoon commute

• Rainfall total upgraded: City could see 90 millimetres by Saturday

The combination of the islands' low elevation, heavy rains and wind-blown waves off Lake Ontario left much of the island under water this morning. The water turned lawns into small lakes and covered many of the park's paths and beaches.

On Friday, residents and city crews worked together on Ward's Island to build sand bag barriersto protect homes from flooding.

"We could have some serious flooding here as we did apparently back in 1974," said Mayor John Tory on Friday.

CBC Toronto's Lauren Pelley spent the morning on the island and gathered these photos and video.

The city has restricted access to the island to residents and emergency personnel.

Last night the city kept a ferry at Ward's Dock in case it was needed for an evacuation. Also, students at the island school were sent to another school in Toronto for the day.

Heavy rainfall at Toronto islands

7 years ago

Duration 0:26

Heavy rainfall at Toronto islands

Residents on the Toronto Islandswill be notified viaTOFerry@toronto.caif the ferry isbrought into service for storm evacuation.

• Tips from Toronto's fire chief on how to prepare for potential flooding

The low elevation and multiple water features on the Toronto islandsmean structures there could be vulnerable to flooding, according toNancyGaffneya waterfront specialist with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Environment Canada has updated its rainfall warning, saying Toronto could receive up to 70 millimetres through Saturday.

The rain that began Thursday afternoon continued to fall Friday, but is expected to taper off into the weekend.