It could be a very wet weekend in southwestern Ontario.
A special weather statement was issued by Environment Canada on Friday for all communities between Waterloo Region, Brantford, Long Point, Windsor, Sarnia, Tobermory and Barrie, as well as areas further north.
“As we get into Saturday evening, and continuing until Monday morning, we have the potential to see up to 40 mm of showers mixed with some thunderstorms,” explained CTV Kitchener weather specialist Will Aiello. “Waterloo Region might get away with the low-end volume totals [20 mm] but as the system moves through the southwest, it could change quickly.”
Wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h are also expected.
Water worries
Another big concern is the warmer temperatures.
The forecast shows a high of 18 Celsius on Saturday and 12 Celsius on Sunday.
Environment Canada warned the melting snow could cause problems, especially in flood-prone areas.
“With the ground still frozen, it will be unable to absorb the water and, accompanied by the high temperatures, could create even more concerns,” Aiello explained.
GRCA issues flood watch
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) issued a flood watch Friday for the entire Grand River watershed.
“The snowpack across the watershed has been melting from recent warm temperatures, which has led to increased water levels. Higher flows in local waterways combined with runoff from this event will increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding,” a news release from the GRCA said.
The GRCA believes some areas need to be extra cafeful.
“Grand Valley, Waldemar, Drayton, West Montrose, the Village of Conestogo, New Hamburg, Ayr, Brantford, Six Nations, Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville should be aware of these conditions and take appropriate precautions,” officials said.
The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s are at normal levels for this time of year and have storage available to help reduce the impact of downstream flooding.
Unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed.
“The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses,” said the GRCA.
People are urged to stay off all ice-covered waterbodies.
“River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any additional flood messages will be issued as needed.”
This flood watch will remain in effect until 12 p.m March 19.
