Update on June 7, 2022: Intense rainfall over the past 24 hours has brought variable amounts of precipitation throughout the region, with amounts ranging from 15 mm to 65 mm with most locations reporting around 50 mm.
Water levels are rising with some locations experiencing minor flooding into low-lying parks, farm fields and natural floodplain areas.
As the influx of water moves through the watershed, water levels will continue to rise with the potential for additional locations experiencing minor flooding.
Hot and drier than normal conditions over the past several weeks have created a greater storage capacity in soil and watercourses and as a result significant flooding is not anticipated at this time.
River banks are expected to be slippery, with possible minor erosion. Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, 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 message will remain in effect until Thursday, June 9, 2022 unless otherwise updated.
Original story: The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority issued a watershed conditions statement late Monday evening, June 6, 2022.
“Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement as a system moving through Southern Ontario is forecast to bring training thunderstorms and 15 mm to 35 mm of rain with the potential of higher amounts upwards of 50 mm in localized areas,” SCRCA officials say.
“High amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas, and may temporarily overwhelm municipal drains resulting in ponding on roads. Water levels may rise into natural floodplain areas, farm fields and parks if the higher forecasted amount of rain is received; no significant flooding is anticipated at this time.”
River banks are expected to be slippery, with possible minor erosion, SCRCA officials added.
“Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water,” SCRCA officials say.
“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 message will remain in effect until Wednesday, June 8, 2022 unless otherwise updated, SCRCA officials added.
