If you have any outdoor plans this weekend, you may want to take an umbrella or rain coat with you - Environment Canada announced 80 to 120 mm of rain is expected to pass through the area between Friday and Monday morning.
This is the result of several weather patterns that will reportedly be coming together to form a bigger, more potent storm. Between 20 to 30 mm of rain is also expected to carry over into the mountainous regions of the interior during the same period.
While the amount of rainfall expected is by no means biblical, EC cautioned that due to the drought conditions over these regions, the soil has a reduced capacity to absorb water. This, combined with heavy rainfall, increases the risk of flash flooding.
To help reduce the risk of flash flooding, make sure drain spouts and sewer covers are free of debris, so water can freely drain. During heavy rains, avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low lying areas and water collection areas. They can unexpectedly flood or overflow.
As for the roads themselves, keep in mind that they've been dry a long time, meaning surfaces will be slippery and not very adherent, so caution is necessary if out on the road this weekend.
Same applies for completely-flooded roads; do not attempt to drive across them, as the depth of the water or the submerged road's condition are unknown and potentially dangerous.
news@sookenewsmirror.com