The Essex Region Conservation Authority has extended the previously issued Watershed Conditions Statement. Measurements from the field indicate that the region received approximately 30 to 40 mm of rain over the past 24 hours. The rain continued beyond December 29th causing some areas to receive 40 to 50 mm over a span of roughly 36 hours. As a result, major watercourses and tributaries have high water levels, with some areas in bank-full conditions. Major watercourses have spill beyond their normal low-flow channels and into the adjacent low-lying floodplains. Water levels are expected to remain elevated throughout the next few days as the watercourses drain towards Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River and Lake Erie. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing for the next few days, which will help tributaries continue to drain. Officials will continue to monitor forecasts and field conditions and will update this advisory, as necessary.

People are encouraged to take extra caution and avoid any areas where flooding may be occurring as well as rivers, streams, and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. The combination of slipper banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water. People are encouraged to monitor local forecasts.