Highlights:

• Rainfall Warning issued by Environment Canada.
• Watershed has already received 5 to 15 mm of rain this morning.
• Rainfall totals of 40 to 75 mm are being predicted through Saturday morning.
• Potential thunderstorms could drop more in some areas.
• Local watercourses will rise and some could reach bank full conditions or spill their banks.
• LTVCA may need to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel.
• High lake levels could aggravate drainage issues in shoreline areas.

 

Message:

Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning for the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent areas and a Special Weather Statement for Elgin County.  The Rainfall Warning is calling for 40 to 75 mm total rainfall through Saturday morning, with the potential for thundershowers as well.  The watershed has already received 5 to 15 mm of rain this morning, with the lesser amounts in Middlesex-Elgin.  There is some variability in the forecasts due to the possibility of thunderstorms, but forecasts are calling for anywhere from another 35 to 60 mm throughout the watershed.  There has been significant rain over the last few weeks and, as a result, the ground has less ability to absorb this rainfall than it might in a more normal summer.

The amount of rain in the forecast is significant for this time of the year. The amount of rain should be expected to cause ponding and localized flooding in areas with poor drainage. Local ditches, creeks and streams should be expected to being rising this afternoon and some could reach bank full conditions or spill their banks by this evening.  If we get the upper end of the rainfall predictions, the LTVCA would expect to have to operate McGregor Creek Diversion Channel to protect the south end of the city of Chatham from flooding.

The rain in the forecast could have a greater impact in shoreline areas. Due to the high lake levels, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas. In addition, any water from upstream making its way downstream on local watercourses into these shoreline areas could further impact these areas.

In order to reduce nuisance flooding, residents should ensure that catch basins and other drainage areas are clear of debris.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

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

This message will be in effect until July 18, 2021.