Flood outlook issued by Ausable Bayfield
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has issued a flood outlook.
Upwards of 50mm of rain is expected in 24 hours with minor flooding expected within low-lying flood plains.
According to the ABCA, the heaviest rain is expected to come in two waves Friday, with the first wave reaching area this morning. A total of 5-10mm has already been observed across the watershed.
Forecasted rainfall through the morning and early afternoon has increased considerably from prior forecasts, and it is expected that heavy rains may result in an additional 25 mm from this first wave before a period of light showers Friday afternoon.
Rivers are expected to exceed bankfull, resulting in flooding of traditional low-lying flood plain areas. Streamflows in the smaller tributary creeks are expected to peak later Friday.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses. Slippery and unstable streambanks, and extremely cold and fast-flowing water will combine to create hazardous conditions.
The conservation authority said the outlook will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on April 3, unless rainfall totals and local conditions warrant further updates.
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority statement
In addition, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is warning the public that water levels in local streams and rivers will rise Friday afternoon and into Saturday in response to the rainfall.
The conservation authority said the watershed has received 15-20 mm of rain since Friday morning, and expects an additional 15-20 mm of rain by Saturday evening.
Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all watercourses as slippery riverbanks, combined with cold and fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard.
"Water levels will remain above normal over the weekend and into next week. Serious flooding is not expected and levels should remain below those experienced last weekend," the release reads.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.