A flood watch was issued by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority on Saturday evening, August 1, 2020.
“A low pressure system tracking through Southern Ontario is anticipated to bring strong wind gusts, risk of thunderstorms, and 20-35 mm of rain starting this afternoon through late Sunday,” SCRCA officials say.
“Localized precipitation amounts may vary; high amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas.”
Winds over Lake St. Clair are forecasted to be northwesterly turning westerly Sunday afternoon, with gusts upwards of 45 km/h, SCRCA officials say.
“Residents along this shoreline may experience increased wave action with a potential for erosion, and possible flooding of natural floodplain areas along the shoreline,” officials say.
“Winds from a westerly direction have the ability to create a backwater effect, slowing the flow of water out of the Sydenham River and elevating water levels in the Wallaceburg area.”
Northerly winds becoming northwesterly along the Lake Huron shoreline are forecasted to gust between 40-55 km/h starting Sunday morning before subsiding Sunday evening.
Residents in this area, particularly the Old Lakeshore Road community of Brights Grove, may experience increased wave action and possible erosion, SCRCA officials added.
River banks and shorelines are expected to be slippery, with possible minor erosion.
Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and swift moving water.
Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise.
Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.
This flood watch will remain in effect until Monday, August 3, 2020, unless otherwise updated.
