Message: Increased Flood Risk with High Water Levels and Heavy Rain on Saturated Ground

Highlights:

• • Rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow upgraded to 20 – 40 mm
  • Ground is saturated and will not soak up more water
  • Watercourse levels are high
  • Most smaller watercourses remain over top of bank

 
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have issued a rainfall warning for the region, with 20 to 40 mm of rainfall from Tuesday night to Wednesday. Locally higher amounts of rain are possible in areas that receive thunderstorms. Heavy downpours may cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

Due to the recent snowmelt and rainfall, the watershed is seeing areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding in low-lying areas.  Watercourse levels have been falling since peak levels reached Sunday but remain high going into another significant rainfall event. The ground is saturated and will not have the ability to soak up more water. Water levels are expected to start rising again Wednesday and remain high into next week. Depending on the timing and amounts of rain received, water levels could rise rapidly.

Of note is that temperatures are expected to return to the freezing mark by late Wednesday night and will hover close to freezing through to Friday morning. This should help slow the generation of runoff contributing to watercourses.

The SCRCA is aware of the following road closures:

• • Clair Township, Stanley Line between Kimball Road and Waubuno Road

 
Municipal staff should monitor local conditions closely, with special attention to known local drainage problem areas.

Individuals are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks, unsafe ice cover 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  March 16^th, 2026, unless otherwise updated.