City services | February 6, 2019
Credit Valley Conservation advises that 10 to 15 mm of precipitation is expected from Wednesday through Thursday. Precipitation will start as freezing rain then transitioning into rain. Freezing temperatures will climb to zero (0°C) around mid-day on Thursday and may reach double digits by midnight before temperatures cool off again. This rainfall is expected to have significant effects on the city’s river systems and on the water levels of Lake Ontario.
The Credit River is slowly receding from the rain and snowmelt experienced this past week. Most of the ice in the river had broken up resulting in ice jams at the Barber (Paper) Mill Dam, Eldorado Park and Meadowvale. The high flows and ice jams resulted in flooding along the Credit River.
The forecasted rain and warmer temperatures on Thursday may melt the remaining snow and the freezing rain will increase water levels along the Credit River. The main concern of the higher flows is the potential for the remobilization of the existing ice jams.
Freezing rain will create slippery conditions. Local streams and rivers will become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts, bridges and dams. Residents are warned to stay away from all watercourses, especially children and pets.
For safety and to reduce potential damage, the following measures are recommended:
To report flooding, please call 3-1-1. For emergency assistance, please call 9-1-1.