Rain Forecast Friday and Saturday (flood bulletin, December 10-13, 2021)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
Issued December 10, 2021 at 11:00 am; Valid until December 13, 2021
A strong cold front will make its way through southern Ontario bringing rain and strong winds to the Upper Thames watershed, beginning tonight and continuing into Saturday night. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement predicting heavy rain in the amount of 25 – 45 mm. More location specific forecasts from other sources call for 20 – 30 mm in the Upper Thames River watershed.
The small amount of snow on the ground is not expected to contribute to runoff to any great extent. Although this precipitation is not expected to cause any serious flooding, flood coordinators are reminded that the ground is saturated and more susceptible to runoff.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable and the water may quickly become fast-moving and higher than normal. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.
The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas will be operated to reduce any downstream flooding if required.