Flood watch issued for St. Clair watershed as rain, snowmelt push water levels higher

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for the entire watershed. It warns that water levels could rise quickly over the next several days due to rain, snowmelt and saturated ground.

Above-seasonal temperatures combined with five to 20 millimetres of rain over the past week have deteriorated the snowpack and raised water levels, with some areas already spilling into natural floodplains and low-lying land. The authority stated that the recent rainfall and snowmelt have reduced the soil’s ability to absorb more water, thereby increasing the risk of runoff.

Environment Canada forecasts another 10 to 15 millimetres of rain late Thursday into Friday, with an additional five to 10 millimetres possible on Saturday. Temperatures are expected to stay well above freezing through Friday, dip below zero overnight and then briefly return to milder conditions Saturday.

The conservation authority says water levels are expected to rise rapidly and could cause pooling on roads and fields. If rainfall reaches the higher end of the forecast, water could impact roadways.

Municipal staff are being urged to monitor local conditions closely, especially in areas with known drainage problems. Any remaining ice in rivers and streams could also block water flow during runoff and increase flooding potential.

Residents are being warned to stay away from watercourses and flooded areas because of slippery banks, unsafe ice and cold, fast-moving water. The authority says children and pets should be kept well away from the water.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority says it will continue to monitor watershed conditions and issue further advisories to municipalities and the media if flooding develops. Municipal emergency response teams and road superintendents are also advised to keep a close watch on conditions.

The flood watch remains in effect until noon on Monday, Jan. 12, unless it is updated sooner.

Elsewhere in the region, flood conditions remain normal. The Essex Region Conservation Authority reported both shoreline and watershed flood status as green, while the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority said shorelines, rivers and streams are also at normal levels.

Environment Canada has also issued a warning for strong winds across parts of southwestern Ontario, including Windsor, Leamington, Essex County, Sarnia, Petrolia, Chatham-Kent and western Lambton County.

Gusts of 70 to 90 kilometres per hour are expected on Friday with showers and a risk of thunderstorms capable of producing sudden strong winds as a cold front moves through the region.

A cold front is then expected to push through the region this afternoon. The passage of the cold front may lead to another wave of strong winds with the potential for wind gusts of 80 to 90 km/h. Winds are expected to ease later in the afternoon or early evening.