Flooding concerns with rain in southern Ontario’s forecast

We could see a lot of rain this weekend. CTV's Will Aiello tells when we can expect the storm to roll in.

It could be a very wet weekend in southwestern Ontario.

A special weather statement was issued by Environment Canada on Friday for all communities between Waterloo Region, Brantford, Long Point, Windsor, Sarnia, Tobermory and Barrie, as well as areas further north.

“As we get into Saturday evening, and continuing until Monday morning, we have the potential to see up to 40 mm of showers mixed with some thunderstorms,” explained CTV Kitchener weather specialist Will Aiello. “Waterloo Region might get away with the low-end volume totals [20 mm] but as the system moves through the southwest, it could change quickly.”

Wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h are also expected.

Water worries

Another big concern is the warmer temperatures.

The forecast shows a high of 18 Celsius on Saturday and 12 Celsius on Sunday.

Environment Canada warned the melting snow could cause problems, especially in flood-prone areas.

“With the ground still frozen, it will be unable to absorb the water and, accompanied by the high temperatures, could create even more concerns,” Aiello explained.

The Grand River Conservation Authority has not issued a flood warning for the watershed.