Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement in effect for Durham forecasting heavy rain and strong winds Friday night into Saturday night.
Rain is forecast to begin Friday evening over southwestern Ontario and spread over the remainder of southern Ontario Friday night. Showers at times heavy will continue Saturday before temperatures rapidly fall and light snow develops Saturday night in the wake of a strong cold front.
Rainfall amounts of 25 to 45 mm will be possible by Saturday night, said Environment Canada.
In addition, very strong southwesterly winds gusting up to 70 km/h are expected to develop Saturday afternoon. By Saturday evening these winds are forecast to shift to the northwest with wind gusts up to 90 km/h possible, particularly along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
Report power outage, trees down
Some damage to trees and local power outages will be possible due to these strong winds, Environment Canada said. Impacts:
- Local power outages possible.
- Loose objects may be tossed about.
- Tree branches may break.
- Flash floods due to heavy downpours and water pooling on roads is possible.
- Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
- Possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
City of Oshawa said with significant rainfall in the forecast, be prepared by removing debris from catch basins and bringing inside or securing items that can be blown away by wind.
To report trees down, streetlights out or debris blocking a roadway, Telephone Service Oshawa 905-436-3311.
Report power outages to @oshawapower at 905-723-4623.
CLOCA Water Safety
Meanwhile, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority advises that the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry is forecasting a winter storm to move into the Central Great Lakes Friday night and into Saturday morning.
Friday afternoon could see rainfall in the amount of 10- 30 mm, with another 5- 20 mm possible on Saturday in our area.
The ground is currently saturated or frozen, and rainfall combined with snowmelt can result in increased runoff. Consequently, higher than normal water levels and flows can be expected in our streams, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. No flooding is anticipated but will be monitored.
Strong southwest winds in the range of 30 to 60 km/h gusting to 90+ km/h are also forecasted for Saturday. Strong winds, waves and storm surge could further elevate water levels and drive waves toward our shoreline, resulting in localized flooding of Lake Ontario nearshore properties, low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Stay away from water
The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority is asking all residents and children to stay away from all watercourses, shorelines and structures such as bridges, culverts dams, and break walls. Elevated water levels, fast-flowing water, slippery conditions, freezing spray, and waves along stream banks and shorelines continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Children should be warned to stay away from all watercourses and keep a safe distance from shorelines.
This Water Safety Statement will be in effect through Tuesday, December 13th, 2021, or until further notice. The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority will continue to monitor the conditions of the streams and will provide updates as required.