Parents in Southwestern Ontario are being advised to keep children away from creeks and rivers because of heavy rain that may cause flooding in low-lying areas.
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Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for southern Ontario, including the London region.
A low-pressure system is expected to bring between 30 and 45 millimeters of rain in London and eastern Middlesex County, the agency said. Most of the rain is expected to fall Sunday.
Similar warnings are in place for Chatham-Kent and Lambton, Elgin, Oxford, Perth and Huron counties.
“Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” Environment Canada said.
“Don’t approach washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts. Keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks.”
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority that manages the river’s watershed in Perth, Oxford and Middlesex counties issued a bulletin Saturday advising residents to be cautious around rivers and streams and to stay away from flood control reservoirs.
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“The warmer temperatures and rain will melt most of the remaining snow over the next few days, leading to increased run-off and higher flows in ditches, streams and rivers,” the authority said.
“Banks next to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving cold water, pose a serious hazard.”
The authority said peak flows are expected Monday but significant widespread flooding isn’t likely.
But the authority warns areas north of London that still have significant snow from early December, including the Medway, Fish, and Flat Creek subwatersheds, are at particular risk of higher water levels.
Flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood and Pittock conservation areas are operating to reduce downstream flooding, the Upper Thames said.
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The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, which stretches west from Strathroy to Sarnia and Wallaceburg, is also warning of the possibility of minor flooding into natural floodplains and laying in low-lying areas.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority that manages the watershed from Delaware to Lake St. Clair issued a flood outlook Saturday.
The authority said localized flooding is possible but significant flooding from the Thames River isn’t expected.
Light showers may linger in the London area on Monday, Environment Canada said.
The forecast calls for a high of 5 C and low of 2 C on Monday. Periods of rain are expected Tuesday, with a high of 5 C and a low of 1 C.
More seasonal temperatures are forecast for Wednesday, with a high of 1 C and low of –2 C along with flurries.
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