Heavy amounts of rainfall prompted flood watches from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, and heading into the weekend, they’re concerned about additional rainfall.
Ross Wilson, Water and Soils Resource Coordinator explained that the rain event on Thursday was quite unique, with two distinct bands of rainfall.
The presence of crops and other vegetation can slow down the water’s movement, acting as a buffer before it reaches waterways. Consequently, there is a time delay between rainfall and its impact on local conditions.
Regarding the potential effects of the heavy rainfall locally over the weekend, Wilson urged caution and awareness,
Flooding at McNaughton Park as observed Thursday
Looking ahead, he mentioned a forecast of around 25 millimeters of rain on Saturday, which could exacerbate existing conditions.
When asked about concerns regarding crops, Wilson highlighted specific areas in the northern part of the watershed, particularly in Bluewater and the Bayfield River system, where a lack of rain had been detrimental to crops. These areas received 3 to 3.5 inches of rain during the recent event, which would be beneficial for their agricultural production. However, he also expressed concerns about low-lying areas experiencing ponding and partial submersion. If water remains stagnant for more than 24 hours, it can cause significant damage to crops.
In addition, Wilson mentioned the variability of weather conditions heading into the hotter days of summer,
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Written by: B. Shakyaver
