Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Hanover and Southern Grey County, warning residents of heavy rain expected to move into the region this weekend. A weather system known as a Colorado low is set to bring between 25 and 50 millimetres of rain, with the most intense downpours expected to occur throughout Saturday evening and into Saturday night.
According to Environment Canada, this low-pressure system originates in the lee of the Rocky Mountains and draws moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. While the heavy rain is the primary concern, officials noted that thunderstorms are also possible in localized areas, which could result in higher rainfall totals than currently predicted. Because there is still some uncertainty regarding where the most significant rainfall will occur, the agency may issue further rainfall warnings as the situation develops.
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, which monitors the watershed that includes Hanover, continues to watch the situation closely. Residents are reminded of the potential for flooding, particularly given that the region has faced similar challenges in the past, including high water levels during early spring last year and recent ice-related flooding in the broader Grey-Bruce area.
Following the rain, weather conditions will undergo a sharp change. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly on Sunday, with flurries likely and overnight lows reaching -3°C. This cooling trend aligns with The Weather Network forecast for a sluggish start to spring, which predicted that colder-than-normal temperatures and periods of snow could persist throughout April.
Environment Canada encourages local residents to stay informed and report any severe weather they observe. Reports can be sent via email to [email protected] or by posting on the social media platform X using the hashtag #ONStorm.
