Stay away from the water.
Saugeen Conservation officials are advising area residents to steer clear of all watercourses, including pedestrian bridges, culverts, and dams, as forecasted heavy rain is expected to cause additional flooding.
A flood outlook issued by Saugeen Conservation late last week was upgraded to a flood watch on Tuesday. It covers the following areas; Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Howick, Morris-Turnberry, South Bruce, Huron-Kinloss, Kincardine, Minto, Wellington-North, Saugeen Shores, Southgate, and West Grey.
According to the conservation authority, the watershed received an average of 45 millimetres of rain this past weekend, which saturated the ground, elevated water levels for local watercourses, and caused some minor flooding. Now Environment Canada is calling for an additional 20 to 40 millimetres of rain to fall Wednesday, with higher amounts possible in areas that receive thunderstorms. The precipitation is expected to begin as freezing rain before transitioning to rain as the temperature rises above the freezing mark.
"Given saturated soil, forecast rainfall will end up as run-off, contributing to rapidly increasing water levels. Continued localized flooding of small watercourses and low-lying areas that typically flood during higher water levels is expected," the conservation authority said.
A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada for midwestern Ontario and the conservation authority is reminding venturing near waterways under these conditions can be hazardous.
"High water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along watercourse banks are extremely dangerous. Individual landowners in flood-prone areas should remain alert and prepare for possible flooding by taking precautionary measures, such as clearing drains," Saugeen Conservation advised.
Municipal and county staff are also being told to monitor problem areas and to be prepared to close low-lying roads.
The flood watch will remain in effect until noon on Friday. Saugeen Conservation staff will closely monitor the watershed conditions and will provide an update if conditions change.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, the Avon Maitland Conservation Authority and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority have also issued a similar all watersheds flood watch for the regions they monitor.