Photo by Fabien Legouge on Unsplash.

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has advised that severe storms, resulting from Hurricane Fiona, have brought significant rainfall to the SVCA watershed. In a September 27 media release, rainfall amounts have ranged from 50 to 100mm since Sunday with the heaviest amounts generally concentrated along the shoreline.

"These severe storms will continue throughout the day today [September 27, 2022] potentially bringing another 20 to 35mm of rain, with the heaviest amounts again being concentrated along the shoreline," read the release.

The SVCA is asking people to be aware that water levels in streams have risen by over 30cm over the past 24 hours. "Soils will be saturated following Sunday and Monday's rain, meaning that much of today's rainfall will end up as runoff into our streams, contributing to rapidly increasing water levels" the release said.

Significant flooding is not expected but water levels will continue to rise until later in the week.

The SVCA is reminding the public to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. "Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks make these locations extremely dangerous," said the release. "People are encouraged to defer recreational activities on our watercourses at this time."

SVCA staff will be monitoring the situation over the next 48 hours and provide any updates if conditions change.