The soggy ground in Windsor-Essex means there is the chance of some flooding this weekend.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority has issued a watershed conditions statement for Friday into Saturday, due to steady rain in the latest forecast from Environment Canada.
The weather agency said 25 millimetres of rain are possible over 24 hours. While this does not fit the flood watch criteria, ERCA water resources engineer James Bryant said runoff might cause problems.
"Many waterways have some ice and snow present reducing their overall capacity to handle runoff," said Bryant. "Additionally, smaller drain crossings can have ice blockages as a result of freeze or thaw cycles. The combination of current ground conditions, predicted rainfall, and above freezing temperatures have the potential to cause some minor flooding in low lying areas, drainage, catch basins, and other surface water drainage inlets in both rural and urban environments. Accumulated standing water depths can vary and should be avoided."
As a precaution, ERCA is asking the municipality of Leamington to monitor the flood control dikes in the southeast section, including the Mersea Road 1 and Marentette dikes. The city of Windsor should continue to monitor water levels along the flood control dikes within the Little River Drain corridor.
The statement expires at 9 a.m. Sunday.
