Watershed Conditions: Flood Outlook upgraded to a Flood Watch.

By Staff

July 15th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Conservation Halton advises that the Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook issued on July 13, 2024 has been upgraded to a Flood Watch.

Over the last hour, up to 50 mm of rain has fallen from localized thunderstorm activity through urban Burlington and Oakville. Watercourses in these areas are significantly elevated and at or near bankfull capacity. Additional rainfall will create significant runoff with saturated soil conditions and increase water levels further. Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning suggesting that showers and thunderstorms will continue for the next few hours this afternoon.

This was the scene on literally dozens of roads. At one point there was what amounted to a creek running down the west lanes of Brant Street.

Areas of localized flooding in urban areas are likely. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should be on alert. Regular inspection and removal of debris at culverts and drainage inlets is recommended.

 All watercourses and shoreline areas should be considered dangerous during this time. Conservation Halton is asking all residents to stay away from watercourses, shorelines and structures such as bridges, culverts, dams and break walls. High water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks and shorelines make these locations extremely dangerous.  Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.

Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Flood Watch message as conditions warrant.

This Flood Watch message will be in effect through Tuesday July 16, 2024 and will either be updated or terminated.