Mammoth storm could bring heavy rain, strong wind to Ontario

 Up to 70 per cent of Canada could be affected by Hurricane Sandy coming up from the north eastern United States. Meteorologists are saying Sandy has the potential to become a ‘mammoth’ storm, due to its size and severity.

On the weekend, mandatory evacuations were under way in parts of New Jersey and New York and early flood warnings were issued across southern Ontario.

The Weather Network reports parts of Ontario may see the worst of Sandy with 50 and 100 millimetres of rain expected late Monday and early Tuesday – but Canada won’t be as hard-hit as the U.S.

“This is likely one of the first of many weather statements that will be issued across the country in the days to come, courtesy of what some meteorologists are calling a ‘mammoth’ storm,” said Mark Robinson, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.

“We could see thousands of trees down and millions without power by early next week,” says Chris Scott, Directory of Meteorology at The Weather Network. “There’s also the potential for flooding rain and snow inland.”

Toronto could see prolonged wind gusts of 90 km/hour between Monday and Tuesday, along with heavy rain. Forecasts for Picton still showing 30-45 km/h winds with 15-20mm rain but a storm watch is in effect.

For live updates and analysis tune to The Weather Network on television and track Sandy’s progress here on the web. www.theweathernetwork.com