Rainfall warning continues into Friday, 70 mm could fall by weekend

Environment Canada has continued itsheavy rainfall warning into Friday, stating that as much as 70 mm could fall in the region by Saturday night when the downpour begins to taper off.

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The warning is in effect for:

• Guelph,Erin andSouthern Wellington County.
• Kitchener,Cambridge and theRegion of Waterloo.
• Mount Forest, Arthur and Northern Wellington County.

According to the national weather agency, we can expect heavy rain in the coming days.Because the ground is near its saturation point already, it is unable to absorb much more water and as a result, flooding could occur.

"40-70 mm of rain expected Thursday through Saturday," the weather service said.

Widespread warnings

By Thursday afternoon, Environment Canada's rainfall warnings covered all of Southern Ontario.

"If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. Don't approach washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts. Keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks," the weather service advised.

The rain is "forecast to persist into Saturday as the weather system responsible stalls over the region," Environment Canada said. It may taper to showers late Saturday.

The daytime high temperatures are expected to be around 7 C.