After nearly two months of very little rainfall, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority says there's now high runoff potential that could lead to flooding. The authority says the watershed has received about 100 mm to 175 mm (4-7 in) of rain over the last ten days. Officials say ground conditions that were very dry have become saturated with limited capacity to handle further amounts of precipitation. With another 25 mm to 50 mm of rain possible this week, authority staff is closely monitoring conditions. Any widespread or intense weather system will bring further flooding potential. Authority spokesman Davin Heinbuck says the dry spell was a blessing in disguise.
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So far, flooding has been limited to traditional low lying and undeveloped floodplain areas and no river related damage has been reported.
The St. Clair Conservation Authority is also monitoring conditions but had not issued any flood statement as of Wednesday.
