Wet weekend weather triggers Windsor-Essex watershed advisory

The Collavino wetland, a 75-acre protected habitat project in the River Canard area of Amherstburg, is pictured on March 4, 2022.

A watershed conditions statement was issued Sunday by the Essex Region Conservation Authority due to the amount of rain that had fallen and the forecasted precipitation.

ERCA recorded 10 mm of rain Sunday morning, with more rain forecast to continue through the day, reaching totals of up to 20 mm, said ERCA in a statement.

That amount of rainfall was below flood watch thresholds, but due to existing wet ground conditions and the presence of snow and ice in drains, combined with forecasted rainfall amounts, ERCA decided to issue the watershed conditions statement.

The statement covered the period through noon Monday.

“People are encouraged to take extra caution and avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as rivers, streams, and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events,” ERCA said.

“The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards.

“Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water.”