Rainfall warning now in effect for Sault Ste. Marie

A rainfall warning is now in effect for the Sault Ste. Marie area.

Environment Canada says significant rainfall, which could be heavy at times, is expected to continue through to Sunday morning.

We could see a total of between 50 and 80 mm.

"Areas that receive multiple thunderstorms may have the potential to exceed 80 mm locally," the weather warning said.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority has already issued a flood outlook statement warning of the potential for elevated water levels in local rivers, creeks and streams.

“Residents and visitors are urged to stay away from the flood control channels and all waterways,” the conservation authority said Friday. “Flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery.”

“Please keep children and pets away from waterways during this time.”

Find the full text of Environment Canada's rainfall warning below:

Rainfall warning issued for:
   Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island, Ont. (048830)
   Elliot Lake - Ranger Lake, Ont. (049200)
   Blind River - Thessalon, Ont. (049910)
Rainfall warning continued for:
   Greater Sudbury and vicinity, Ont. (049100)
   North Bay - West Nipissing, Ont. (049800)
   Espanola - Killarney, Ont. (049920)
   Manitoulin Island, Ont. (049930)

Current details:
Rain, at times heavy, is expected.

Hazard:
Rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm.

Timing:
Continuing through Sunday morning.

Discussion:
A low pressure system will bring significant rainfall to the region this weekend.
Areas that receive multiple thunderstorms may have the potential to exceed 80 mm locally.

For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office. Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

More details on the alert are available here.