The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that a series of low pressure systems
are expected to pass through Southern Ontario over the next several days.
Air temperatures will be well above normal into the high single digits on Saturday and Sunday. Heavy rainfall is expected through the day on Sunday which will give way to gusty conditions as the main system blows out of the province Sunday night.
Total rainfall amounts are forecast to be in the 25 to 30mm range on Sunday. Scattered light rain or possibly a weaker low pressure system is likely to follow in next couple of days after Sunday’s storm.
Streamflows are at normal levels for this time of year and ice has started to form in most streams.
The mild temperatures this weekend are causing the snow that accumulated last Monday to
start to melt. The forecasted rainfall and active snowmelt on potentially frozen or saturated soils
will result in runoff causing higher than normal flows in all watercourses within the Ganaraska
Region.
While no flooding is currently anticipated, heavy downpours may cause higher than normal water
levels and ponding of water in low-lying areas. In addition, river ice may start breaking up and
flowing downstream.
Minor ice jams are possible under these conditions, however the volume of ice formed at this point in the season should not lead to any significant ice jams.
Over the next couple of days, significant hazards may be present due to thin ice cover, slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water. Please exercise caution around all water bodies, keeping well back from structures such as dams, ditches, culverts and bridges and alert any children in your care of these hazards.
This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect until Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 at 12:00am.
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
