April showers are here. Environment Canada says much of southwestern Ontario, including Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Six Nations, and Haldimand-Norfolk are in for 25 to 50 millimetres of rain, and possibly more if there are thunderstorms.
The special weather statement applies to an area covering most of the province’s southwestern tip, from Windsor-Essex in the south, to Goderich and Guelph in the north, and Hamilton and Haldimand in the east.
The federal agency says rain will continue through to Friday morning, with a risk of thunderstorms Thursday night, and intense wind that afternoon, with the possibility of snow into Saturday.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,” the statement reads. “Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.”
Conservation Halton, which manages the watershed in that region, issued a statement warning the anticipated rainfall combined with runoff from wet soil “will likely result in elevated water levels in rivers and streams within our jurisdiction.”
The agency said “widespread” flooding is not anticipated, but fast-moving water and flooding of low-lying areas may occur. “Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams.”
The Hamilton Conservation Authority has not issued a similar warning.