Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of locally significant rainfall for parts of southwestern Ontario, including Chatham-Kent and Rondeau Park, through the weekend.
The agency said local rainfall amounts could exceed 50 millimetres between Saturday and early Sunday morning.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop over southwestern Ontario Saturday morning before moving into the Greater Golden Horseshoe in the afternoon, Environment Canada said. The agency noted that slow-moving showers and thunderstorms, along with the potential for multiple rounds of precipitation, could lead to some areas seeing rainfall totals exceeding 50 millimetres.
Rainfall amounts will be highly variable across the region, and Environment Canada said considerable uncertainty remains over exactly where the highest totals will fall. Additional showers are expected through Sunday, particularly east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
Environment Canada warned that water may pool on roads and in low-lying areas, and urged drivers not to drive through flooded roadways. Residents are advised to avoid low-lying areas and watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Those with questions about flooding are asked to consult their local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. More information is available at ontario.ca/page/floods.
Environment Canada is asking the public to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts, and to report severe weather by email at ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or on social media using the hashtag ONStorm.
