Heavy rain prompts flood warning in Burlington, Oakville, Milton

The last few days of heavy rain has Conservation Halton warning residents about the increased threat of flooding.

The flood outlook initially issued July 13 has been upgraded to a flood watch.

During an hour in the early afternoon on Monday, July 15, up to 50 mm of rain fell from localized thunderstorm activity through urban Burlington and Oakville.

“Watercourses in these areas are significantly elevated and at or near bankfull capacity,” said a spokesperson for Conservation Halton.

“Additional rainfall will create significant runoff with saturated soil conditions and increase water levels further. Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning suggesting that showers and thunderstorms will continue for the next few hours this afternoon.”

The alert warns areas of localized flooding in urban areas are likely. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should be on alert. Regular inspection and removal of debris at culverts and drainage inlets is recommended.

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All watercourses and shoreline areas should be considered dangerous during this time.

Conservation Halton is asking all residents to stay away from watercourses, shorelines and structures such as bridges, culverts, dams and break walls. High water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks and shorelines make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.

Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Flood Watch message as conditions warrant.