Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook
Message: Highly variable precipitation amounts, localized flooding possible.
Temperatures hovering around the freezing mark are expected to result in a mix of freezing rain, ice pellets and liquid rainfall today; Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Warning – Freezing Rain for the region. While the Warning does not indicate total amounts of precipitation expected, other forecasts suggest between 5 and 20 mm of precipitation for today. A small reprieve in rainfall is forecast for tomorrow (Saturday) before an additional 15 to 30 mm of rainfall on Sunday.
Remnants of snowpack remain in some areas across the watershed, with ground conditions varying between frozen and semi-frozen between the north and south ends of the region. While overnight temperatures will drop below freezing, a return to the freezing point tomorrow will create uncertainty around how much of the snowpack and today’s freezing rain will remain on and/or be absorbed by the ground ahead of Sunday. The addition of Sunday’s rain could lead to some areas experiencing ponding and localized flooding, with smaller and/or flashy watercourses rising into natural floodplain areas.
Individuals are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks, unsafe ice cover and 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 12 p.m. on December 30th, 2025, unless otherwise updated.
