Highlights:

• ECCC has issued a Yellow Warning – Freezing Rain for tomorrow
• Forecasts for liquid precipitation are highly variable ranging from 5 to 30 mm.
• Areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding could be seen around the watershed.
• If the higher rainfall amounts appear, some smaller watercourses could rise and spill their banks.

Message:

A weather system is expected to move into the region tomorrow morning. Temperatures are expected to be around the freezing point when the system arrives. As a result, forecasts are calling for freezing rain and ECCC has issued a Yellow Warning – Freezing Rain. With the near freezing temperatures, there is still uncertainty in what form the precipitation may fall, and how much we may receive. The Warning does not suggest a total amount of precipitation expected. Other forecasts are highly variable with their predictions, with liquid rainfall amounts ranging from 5 to 30 mm. With ground conditions in a semi-frozen state, and the potential for a layer of ice across the landscape due to the freezing rain, it is not clear how much water the ground may absorb. There is additional rain in the forecasts for Sunday.

If the higher rainfall amounts appear, there could be areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding. Smaller watercourses in the region could rise and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. Given the higher end rain forecasts, the LTVCA may need to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham.

The Thames River may rise somewhat in response to the rain, but at this time, it is not expected to reach flows requiring any kind of flood messaging.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. Any remaining ice on these watercourses should be considered unsafe. The combination of slippery banks, unstable ice conditions, and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous. The freezing rain forecast will make conditions even more slippery. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory as necessary.

This message will be in effect until December 28th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])