March 28th, 2025 Flood Outlook Statement

Watershed Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook

Friday, March 28th, 2025 to Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Saugeen Conservation advises that a Flood Outlook statement has been issued due to a series of rain events forecast for this coming weekend.

ALL SAUGEEN WATERSHED MUNICIPALITIES – Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, Municipality of Brockton, Township of Chatsworth, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Town of Hanover, Township of Howick, Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, Municipality of South Bruce, Township of Huron-Kinloss, Municipality of Kincardine, Town of Minto, Township of Wellington-North, Town of Saugeen Shores, Township of Southgate, Municipality of West Grey.

A series of weather systems are forecast to move through the area beginning on Friday, March 28th and continuing into Sunday, March 30th. Combined precipitation totals for this weekend are expected to range from 20 mm to 60 mm. The first system will move through the watershed beginning late Friday afternoon and continue into Saturday, with the potential for thunderstorms. While most precipitation is expected to fall as rain, some northern areas of the watershed may also receive freezing rain and mixed precipitation. The second rain fall event is forecast to begin moving through the watershed early Sunday morning.

Soil throughout the watershed is saturated and has little ability to absorb rainfall. While water levels have largely stabilized over the past week, they are expected to respond quickly to runoff. Some snowpack remains in woodlots, heavily drifted areas and snowbanks, and may contribute to runoff.

While widespread flooding is not expected at this time, localized flooding may occur in low-lying areas. Small watercourses may become overwhelmed due to runoff and exceed their banks, while larger watercourses may be close to overtopping.

The public is advised to avoid all watercourses at this time, including structures such as pedestrian bridges, culverts, and dams. High water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along watercourse banks are extremely dangerous. Individual landowners in flood-prone areas should remain alert and prepare for possible flooding by taking precautionary measures, such as clearing drains.

Municipal and County staff should monitor problem areas and be prepared to close low-lying roads.

Saugeen Conservation staff will be monitoring watershed conditions and will provide an update if conditions change.

This message will remain in effect until Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. unless updated otherwise.

To report flooding in your area, visit our website: www.saugeenconservation.ca/reportflood

For more information:
Jody Duncan, Flood Forecasting and Warning Coordinator

(519) 369-8247 floodcoordinator@svca.on.ca

To download the statement please click here.