The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority issued a flood watch across the region on Sunday August 16, 2020, as there is a risk of thunderstorms, 15-45 mm of rain, possible minor flooding, road closures and potential increased wave action.
“A vast low pressure system tracking through Ontario is bringing risk of thunderstorms throughout today, with predicted rainfall between 15 and 45 millimetres across the region,” SCRCA officials say.
“Given the unpredictable nature of convective storms, localized precipitation amounts may vary and areas may experience higher than predicted rainfall amounts. High amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas.”
This amount of rainfall has the potential to elevate water levels into natural floodplain areas, parks and farm fields; roads may also become impacted, officials say.
“Soils may become saturated from the rain and could contribute to ponding, increased runoff into watercourses, and possible increased erosion and seepage issues,” SCRCA officials added.
“Winds over Lake St. Clair are forecasted to be south-southwesterly, gusting between 30 and 40 km/h, before turning northwesterly-northerly mid-afternoon. Winds over Lake Huron in the Ipperwash region can anticipate winds from a north-northwesterly direction, gusting between 40 and 50 km/h, before subsiding this evening. Residents along these shorelines may experience increased wave action.”
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, SCRCA officials added.
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 message will remain in effect until Wednesday, August 18, 2020, unless otherwise updated.
