Stay away from water banks amid rain fall warning for London region, officials warn
Between 30 to 45 millimetres of rain expected in London area, Environment Canada says
Officials are urging Londoners to be cautious around local waterways and stay away from water banks as warmer temperatures and rain melt snow, and create higher flows in rivers, ditches and streams over the next few days.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects streams and rivers to rise this weekend and remain elevated next week, with peak flows on Monday, it said in a news release.
"Banks next to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving cold water, pose a serious hazard. Children and pets should be kept away from the water and off any frozen ponds," the conservation authority said.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the London region and is forecasting between 30 to 45 millimetres of rain. The bulk of that will pour down by early evening Sunday, said operational meteorologist Brent Linington.
"We could expect around 20 to 30 [millimetres] throughout the day and then another 10 overnight, tonight, potentially," he said. "We also have a risk of thunderstorms, late this afternoon and early evening and it could enhance amounts a little bit, so an extra 10 millimetres or so."
New year to start with mix of rain and snow
Linington said rain may mix with snow late overnight into early morning Monday, with temperatures approaching 0 C. Clearer weather is expected by Monday night and Tuesday.
Heading into the new year, the meteorologist said to expect a mix of rain and snow with highs in the low single digits. Temperatures will dip down to around -5 C, later in the week, he said.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority said it doesn't expect significant flooding but warns water could still spill over banks in areas typically prone to flooding. Areas north of London, including Medway, Fish, and Flat Creek subwatersheds are at particular risk of high water levels because they still have significant snow from earlier this month.
"The shallow snowpack present across most of the Upper Thames River watershed contains an estimated 10 mm of water equivalent," UTRCA said.
The conservation authority is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. It advises residents not to drive through flooded roadways or take shelter along river banks or low-lying areas.