Watershed Conditions Statement issued for Windsor-Essex

ERCA issues flood outlook for Lake Erie shoreline

The Essex Region Conservation Authority has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement due to the forecasted rainfall.

The rain is expected to start in Windsor-Essex on Wednesday evening and continue throughout Thursday morning.

Forecasts predict that the region could experience between 30-40 millimetres of rain. ERCA says this amount of rainfall could create ponding and areas of standing water. This rain could also cause smaller watercourses to rise, and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.

This amount and duration of precipitation falls below Flood Watch thresholds, but the Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until noon Thursday.

People are encouraged to take extra caution and avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as rivers, streams, and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water.

ERCA will continue to monitor forecasts. The advisory will be modified as required.