Area conservation authorities are keeping a close eye on the weather.
With strong winds and heavy rain in the forecast, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority both issued flood outlooks on Friday.
Conservation officials say a Colorado low moving into Ontario is expected to bring sustained rainfall with total accumulations between 20 and 45 millimetres, with upwards of 35 millimetres falling Friday and another 10 millimetres possible on Saturday.
The SCRCA said rainfall may be intense at times and high amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can result in increased runoff and flash flooding. Rising water levels may also spill into natural floodplain areas, parks and fields.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority said based on current weather and streamflow forecasts, major flooding is not anticipated at this time. However, rivers will exceed bankfull, resulting in flooding of traditional low-lying floodplain areas.
We're reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks and cold, swift moving water.
The flood outlooks will remain in effect until Monday, April 3, unless otherwise updated.
