Residents in Oshawa and across the Southern Durham Region should prepare for heavy rain this weekend as a weather system moves into Ontario. According to Environment Canada, a Colorado low is expected to bring 25 to 50 millimetres of rain starting Saturday, April 4, and continuing into Saturday night.
The heaviest rainfall is expected to arrive Saturday evening and persist overnight. Thunderstorms are also possible, which may lead to higher rainfall totals in some areas. Meteorologists note that there remains some uncertainty regarding exactly where the highest amounts of rain will fall, and additional warnings may be issued as the storm progresses.
The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority is monitoring the situation closely. Their operations centre in Oshawa collects data hourly from across the 627-square-kilometre watershed to track creek flows and water levels. The authority identifies downtown Oshawa, as well as areas near Oshawa Creek, Harmony Creek, and Corbett Creek, as locations with a higher risk for potential flooding.
Historical data from the Region of Durham highlights the importance of staying alert, as the area has experienced significant flooding events in the past. Residents living in low-lying areas or near water should be aware that heavy rain can cause localized flooding and reduce visibility for drivers on local roads.
