The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has issued an alert due to rain, freezing rain, and already wet ground.
ERCA has issued a flood watch for Monday night and Tuesday morning due to significant rainfall moving through Windsor-Essex. The rainfall, along with wet ground conditions, has raised concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas.
"Forecasts had predicted 15 to 20 millimetres of rainfall [Monday]. However, based on field measurements, areas in our region received between 20 to 35 millimetres of rainfall within the last 12 hours," said ERCA Water Resources Manager Tian Martin. "Due to the previous rainfall, the ground conditions were already saturated prior to this rainfall event."
The potential is there for low-lying areas to be saturated due to the rain that came with last week's ice storm, and many smaller drainage vessels, like municipal drains and roadside ditches, are filling up. Some watercourses may be blocked by fallen trees or other debris from the ice storm.
"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," said Martin. "The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water."
The flood watch is in effect through noon Tuesday.
