Stratford, Ontario, is under a special weather statement as Environment Canada warns of showers and embedded thunderstorms bringing 30 to 50 mm of rain, with local amounts possibly exceeding 50 mm. The statement, issued August 31 at 10:06 AM EDT, covers Stratford, Mitchell, and Southern Perth County.
Rainfall warnings may be needed if conditions worsen. Water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas is likely through the afternoon. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) advises residents to monitor forecasts as wet August conditions have left the ground saturated and less able to absorb heavy rain.
The UTRCA operates the R. Thomas Orr Dam on the Avon River, which creates Lake Victoria in the heart of Stratford. The dam is not a flood control structure but is managed during heavy rain to prevent upstream flooding. Last summer, a debris jam at one of the dam’s gates caused Lake Victoria to partially drain, requiring a month-long recovery that rescued 1,075 mussels and many fish.
The chance of showers continues through Wednesday, with a 60 per cent chance on September 2. Clearing begins Thursday, and the Labour Day long weekend is expected to bring a mix of sun and cloud with highs near 24°C.
Residents in low-lying areas should be prepared for localized flooding and check updated forecasts from Environment Canada.
