Up to 40 mm of rain may hit Waterloo Region and Guelph. Frozen ground could cause flooding and pooled water on roads overnight into Wednesday.
Heavy Rain Could Soak Waterloo Region Overnight
Grab your umbrella—heavy rain is on the way. A rainfall warning now covers Waterloo Region, Guelph, and Wellington County as forecasters expect a soaking Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Environment Canada says as much as 40 mm of rain could fall in a short time. In addition, thunderstorms may roll through parts of southern Ontario overnight.
Why Flooding Could Happen Quickly
Although spring temperatures have arrived, the ground remains frozen in many areas. As a result, rain cannot easily soak into the soil.
Instead, water may quickly collect on roads and in low-lying areas. Because of that, drivers could face large puddles and flooded streets by morning.
Officials urge residents to stay alert and avoid any road covered by water.
Flood Risks Already Rising
Earlier Tuesday, flood warnings spread across several communities. Melting snow combined with incoming rain has already raised water levels in many places.
The following areas face higher flood risk:
Drayton
Grand Valley
Conestogo
St. Jacobs
West Montrose
New Hamburg
Ayr
Cambridge
Six Nations
Brant County
City of Brantford
Meanwhile, authorities also warn people to stay away from rivers, creeks, and culverts. The ground near these areas may be soft and slippery.
Temperatures Take a Sudden Turn
Tuesday brought an early taste of spring. Temperatures climbed to 18°C in Waterloo Region, far above normal for March.
However, the warm weather will not last long.
Overnight: temperatures drop to 3°C
Wednesday: daytime high near 5°C
Thursday: chance of flurries with a high of 1°C
In other words, the region will shift from rain to possible snow in less than two days.
What Residents Should Do
With heavy rain expected, a few simple steps can help people stay safe:
Avoid flooded roads while driving
Watch for pooling water in low areas
Stay clear of fast-moving streams and rivers
Allow extra travel time during wet conditions
Because the ground remains frozen, even moderate rain can create problems quickly. Therefore, residents should keep an eye on weather updates through Wednesday.
