With heavy rain expected to continue, a special weather statement has been expanded into new areas of the north.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the following locations:
- Chapleau - Gogama
- Elliot Lake - Ranger Lake
- Manitoulin - Blind River - Killarney
- Sault Ste. Marie - Superior East
- Timmins - Cochrane
- Wawa - White River - Pukaskwa
Rain, at times heavy, is expected to continue into Saturday evening.
“Rain ahead of a low pressure system currently over Minnesota began late last night and will fall rather heavy at times today. Total rainfall amounts of 30 to 40 mm are possible. However, some areas may receive amounts near 50 mm by the time the rain ends tonight,” reads a weather alert.
“At this time there is some uncertainty in the exact location of the highest rainfall amounts. It appears that the heaviest rain will fall near Lake Superior where a rainfall warning is in effect. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada will closely monitor the situation and issue additional rainfall warnings if necessary.
In the Sault Ste. Marie area, there are concerns about localized flooding, if the rain continues.
The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch. It said the city was hit with 20 to 25 millimetres of rain overnight and while local rivers/creeks are flowing at normal levels right now, additional rainfall could change that.
“Hurricane Nate may influence the potential for increased moisture to be available during this weather event. The Ministry of Natural Resources weather forecasters are closely tracking the storm,” said the conservation authority, in a media release.
“Continued rainfall and thunderstorms will cause levels and flows to rise across the watershed. There may be localized flooding in areas with poor drainage and areas where leaves and debris have accumulated on lawns and roadways.”
