The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has upgraded its watershed conditions statement to a flood watch following heavy rainfall that drenched the region Sunday. The alert warns that record precipitation could cause some watercourses to overflow into adjacent low-lying areas.
Record Rainfall Triggers Flood Watch
Rain gauges across the region recorded more than 30 millimetres of rainfall in 12 hours, according to an ERCA statement released late Sunday evening. Officials also cited a report from Environment Canada, warning that a line of showers would continue to deliver heavy rainfall overnight Sunday, with additional amounts possibly exceeding 50 millimetres.
Based on the recorded rainfall, smaller watercourses are flowing near or at capacity, ERCA officials said. The forecast for Monday includes a 40 per cent chance of showers both morning and afternoon, with local amounts of 10 to 15 millimetres. Northeast winds at 30 km/h were expected Monday morning. The high temperature will be around 25 degrees Celsius with a humidex of 33, according to Environment Canada.
Safety Precautions Urged
People are encouraged to take extra caution and avoid areas where flooding is occurring, as well as rivers, streams and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. Slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water. This flood watch is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday.
