Conservation authority warns of possible flooding as forecast calls for significant rainfall in Essex County
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The Essex Region Conservation Authority is warning of possible flooding as forecasts predict multiple rounds of rainfall beginning Tuesday night at a time when the ground is already saturated.
The authority has issued a flood outlook, which provides early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for conditions that could lead to high runoff or cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Rain gauges across the region already recorded around 10 millimeters of rainfall overnight on Monday night, saturating the ground, the conservation authority said.
Forecasts predict multiple rounds of rainfall Tuesday night through Thursday that could result in a total of 40 to 70 millimeters of rain.
“Total rainfall amounts are highly uncertain, especially for rain brought on by isolated thunderstorms,” the flood outlook said.
“This amount of rainfall could create ponding and areas of standing water. This rain could also cause smaller watercourses to rise, and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.”
The watershed conditions statement will remain in effect until 5 p.m. Friday.
The conservation authority is encouraging people to avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as rivers, streams and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events.
“The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous,” it wrote.
“Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather statement for Windsor, Leamington and Essex County calling for total rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 millimetres. The weather statement is also in effect for Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent.
“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas,” Environment Canada said.
“Don’t drive through flooded roadways. Avoid low-lying areas.”
