A word of warning from the local conservation authority with more rain expected today and tomorrow.
Officials with the St Clair Region Conservation Authority say the area could see as much as 80 mm of rain by the end of the day Friday with the risk of increased runoff and flash flooding, especially in urban areas.
As part of its flood outlook, the conservation authority says water levels may rise into natural floodplain areas and low-lying roadways may be impacted. Soils could be saturated from the rain and may contribute to ponding, increased runoff into watercourses, and possible increased erosion and seepage issues.
“Isolated thunderstorms bring the risk of high-intensity rainfall, and local peak hourly rainfall could be up to 15 mm. High amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas,” the SCRCA flood outlook reads. “Rainfall amounts could be higher in localized areas due to the nature of convective storms.”
Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks, and cold, swift moving water. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.