The heavy rains have caused flooding in several parts of Durham leading to closure of some roads, accidents — including four involving vehicles crashing into hydro poles — and fears of power outage.
The miserable and potentially dangerous weather will continue, according to Environment Canada, which has issued another freezing rain warning.
The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority advises that the previously issued Flood Outlook has now been upgraded to a Flood Watch. This Flood Watch will be in effect through Monday January 13, or until further notice.
City of Oshawa has advised residents that with freezing rain in the forecast this weekend, report power outages to Oshawa Power at 905-723-4623 and monitor their outage map. Report trees down, streetlights out or debris blocking a roadway to Service Oshawa 905-436-3311.
Durham Police said a flood warning has been issued which includes the Bowmanville Creek.
Clarington Fire said yesterday that Baseline Road between Hunt Road and Spry Avenue was closed due to flooding. Please avoid the area.
Yesterday, Environment Canada said freezing rain will continue the rest of the night then end Sunday morning as the Texas Low moves away to the east.
It said 5 to 10 mm of ice accretion is possible in many areas by Sunday morning.
Icy and slippery
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Slow down driving in slippery conditions. “Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break. Utility outages may occur,” it warned.
Rainfall, combined with melting snow, is expected. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.
It said the rain will change over to freezing rain in most areas beginning last evening as temperatures dip to near the zero degree mark.
Brisk northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h will herald the end of the precipitation Sunday morning.
If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
Ajax asked residents to stay clear of creeks, streams, retention ponds, reservoirs and other bodies of water .
“With the heavy rain and dropping temperatures, ice will be a major factor when driving. Please drive according to the weather and be extra vigilant at intersections this weekend,” it added.
Clarington Fire said to help prevent flooding, if it’s safe to do so and you’re physically able, please clear snow and ice from your local catch basin so runoff can drain.
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