Conservation authority warns to stay away from flood-prone areas, heavy rainfall expected | CBC News

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is warning residents to avoid local rivers and streams as flooding could occur with heavy rains expected Friday evening.

Water levels in local streams and rivers could rise over the weekend, with possible minor flooding of low-lying areas, according to Eleanor Heagy, the Communication and Marketing Coordinator at the UTRCA.

“If you’re in the City of London, some of the green spaces along the water, we are expecting there will be some flooding of those types of areas, but we’re not expecting anything significant at this time,” said Heagy.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Friday, forecasting between 20 and 40 mm of rain starting late Friday through Saturday.

“We’re certainly seeing frequent floods, but that’s part and parcel of living in Southern Ontario,” said Heagy. “Having one that’s solely rain driven is not as common.”

Water levels are expected to remain above normal until early next week, but not any significant flooding.

Heagy said pets and children should stay away from streams, rivers, ponds and ditches until water levels return to normal.

“If it’s a really large area, there may be hazards underneath,” she said.

Periods of rain are expected to end by Saturday afternoon, along with gusting winds up to 60 km/h. The daytime high is expected to reach 9 C before falling to 4 C in the afternoon.

Flurries are expected on Sunday, along with moderate winds and a high of 0 C. Monday will be sunny with a high of 6 C.