GRCA Issues Special Weather Statement
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for our area. An early spring storm is expected to bring high winds and heavy rainfall overnight and into tomorrow.
Showers will begin this afternoon, with the heaviest rainfall to occur overnight and throughout the day tomorrow. Total rainfall is expected to be in the 30 to 50mm range with some of this possibly falling as snow. Temperatures will remain in the 5 to 7°C range until tomorrow evening when they will drop to nearly 0°C causing the rain to switch over to snow. The rate of temperature drop and timing of the transition from rain to snow is still uncertain and will depend heavily on the track of the low-pressure system. High winds in the 40 to 75 km/h range may cause large waves along the Lake Ontario shoreline resulting in potential for increased erosion rates.
Ground conditions in the Ganaraska watersheds are mostly wet and will become saturated during the event leading to higher rates of runoff especially during periods of heavy rainfall. While no flooding is anticipated, higher than normal water levels and flows will occur in local streams, ponds and ditches. In addition, slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. Please exercise caution around all water bodies and alert any children in your care of these hazards.
This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect through Thursday, April 4th, 2024. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and provide updates as necessary. Should you have any questions or wish to report flooding, please contact the following GRCA staff at 905-885-8173.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love