FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT ISSUED AFTER HEAVY RAIN
21.6 mm of rain already fell by 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Peterborough area
Pedestrians are reflected in puddles as they deal with the rainy weather conditions on Tuesday on George St. Otonabee Conservation issued a flood outlook statement Tuesday afternoon warning of possible flooding and road ponding after more than 21.6 millimetres of rain fell in Peterborough.
The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority issued a flood outlook for the entire Otonabee River and Kawartha Lakes watershed area on Tuesday afternoon, with changes in conditions on local waterways expected because of Tuesday’s heavy rainfall.
About 21.6 millimetres of rain had fallen at the Peterborough Airport by 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to Environment Canada, and even more rain fell Tuesday night and into early Wednesday morning.
The rain forced the postponement of outdoor sports, including the city men’s softball league playoff game and boys field lacrosse tryouts.
A severe thunderstorm watch from Environment Canada was in effect for much of Tuesday in Peterborough city and county.
Peterborough storm tracker Jay Callaghan posted video of spinning winds just west of Bailieboro on County Rd. 2 around 7:30 p.m. Environment Canada’s severe thunderstorm watch had warned that the storm was capable of producing small isolated tornadoes.
“Otonabee Conservation advises that showers and thunderstorms will move into our region this morning and continue through the evening,” Otonabee Conservation’s Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook stated.
“Forecasted rainfall amounts are 20 to 50mm. Local higher amounts are possible due to torrential downpours producing 50mm of rain in one to two hours.
“Intense rainfall associated with these thunderstorms may result in flooding and/or ponding on roads, intersections and low lying areas. All watercourses in our area may experience higher than normal water levels. As a result, local streams and rivers will become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges.
“Otonabee Conservation is advising area residents to keep away from all watercourses, water conveyance structures (e.g., dams, culverts and bridges) and to stay clear of accumulating and ponding water.”