By Staff
March 31st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The snowfall in the Escarpment was a lot heavier than in the urban areas on the weekend – that snow is going to melt and work its way through the 13 creaks that run though Burlington to Lake Ontario.
Conservation Halton advises that a Low Pressure System has already brought upwards of 30mm of rainfall to our area with numerical weather models suggesting an additional 20mm of rain mixed with some wet snow could fall this evening, overnight, and into tomorrow morning.
The rainfall combined with the high soil moisture conditions has resulted in increased flows and water levels in many of our creeks, which are now near bank full capacity. Flow and water level increases are expected to continue into tomorrow, particularly in our larger watercourse systems (Grindstone, Sixteen Mile and Bronte Creeks).
Widespread flooding is not anticipated. Our reservoirs are still in range of our seasonal holding levels and have storage capacity available. However, fast flowing water and flooding of low lying areas and natural floodplains may be expected. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should be on alert.
Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream flow and weather conditions and will issue further messages as necessary. This Flood Outlook Statement will be in effect through Monday April 1st, 2019.
