Slow moving thunderstorms dumped torrential rain on the Sarnia area Thursday afternoon.
Over 50 mm, two inches, had fallen by 5pm according to our weather gauges here at Blackburn Radio.
Roads were swamped and police urged motorists to exercise extra caution.
Sarnia Superintendent of Roads Tony D’Agostini says public works crews have been very busy.
"We've been out all day and will continue until the system goes through," said D’Agostini. "The main problem is the roads flooding. We have areas that we have restrictor plates inside the catch basins. Those are meant to cause ponding on the road, so that there isn't an influx of water into the sewer system that would cause surcharging and basement flooding."
In a news release late Thursday afternoon, City Engineer Andre Morin said infrastructure in some areas of the city is being overwhelmed.
"Crews are out in force and dealing with issues as best they can however, due to intense rain fall over an extended period of time, there will be sections of road that remain flooded due to plugged catch basins, insufficient capacity in the sewers and some surface drains that are at or over capacity," said Morin. "A number of our drainage ditches throughout the city are at capacity and we ask that everyone remain a safe distance from these drains as the water may be much deeper than it appears.
"We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we attempt to manage the severe rain event and flooding being experienced throughout the city."
A severe thunderstorm watch ended just after 5pm Thursday.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Peter Kimbell expected nicer weather once the system finally passed through.
"It will become very pleasant for the weekend, with temperatures basically flirting with 30 C. 29 C on Saturday, 31 C Sunday and it doesn't really end until Monday night when a cold front comes through," said Kimbell.
