A flood outlook has been issued for the region as highly variable precipitation and fluctuating temperatures create the potential for ponding and localized flooding through the weekend.
The Conservation Authority said temperatures hovering around the freezing mark on Friday are expected to produce a mix of freezing rain, ice pellets and rainfall. Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Warning for freezing rain, and while the warning does not specify total precipitation amounts, other forecasts suggest between five and 20 millimetres could fall Friday. A brief lull in rainfall is expected Saturday, followed by an additional 15 to 30 millimetres on Sunday.
Remnants of snowpack remain in parts of the watershed, with ground conditions ranging from frozen to semi-frozen between northern and southern areas. Overnight temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing before returning to around the freezing point Saturday, creating uncertainty about how much snowpack and freezing rain will remain or be absorbed by the ground ahead of Sunday’s rainfall. The Conservation Authority said the added rain could result in ponding and localized flooding, with smaller or fast-responding watercourses rising into natural floodplain areas.
Residents are being urged to stay away from watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, including slippery banks, unsafe ice cover and swift-moving water. Children and pets should be kept well back from the water.
The Conservation Authority said it will continue to monitor watershed conditions and issue advisories to municipalities and media if flooding issues develop. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents are advised to closely monitor local conditions.
The flood outlook remains in effect until noon on Dec. 30, unless updated sooner.
