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Some streets in west Ottawa were underwater on Friday afternoon as the region was under a rainfall warning, as storms related to Tropical Storm Debby moved through town.
City councillor Clarke Kelly said the intersection at March and Carp roads was flooded due to heavy rain, with firefighters on site to direct traffic.
“It is best to avoid travel if possible,” Kelly said in a statement shortly before 6 p.m, adding that city staff were evaluating several other roads between Carp and Dunrobin.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada’s rainfall warning called for rain to continue into Friday evening, with total rainfall amounts expected to clock in between 80 and 120 millimetres, “with locally higher amounts still possible.”
The weather agency warned of heavy downpours, which could cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
“Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” the rainfall warning said. “Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.”
Initial forecasts on Thursday indicated Ottawa could be hit with record-level precipitation over the weekend, but updated forecasts showed the system looked to be tracking further south, with Montreal straight in its path.
During a ZOOM conference Thursday, forecasters said that flooding remained a concern, as the land remained saturated from previous storms storms in recent weeks, with little capacity to accept more precipitation.
Homeowners are advised to double-check their properties and homes to ensure spouts lead away from residences and sewers are clear among other measures.
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Forecasters are blaming a low-pressure system interacting with the “Remnants of Debby,” which began as a tropical storm in Florida earlier this week.
The storm system then moved through the Carolinas and was continuing on a northeasterly path.
“Forecast rainfall amounts could change and rainfall warnings may be issued as confidence in the track of the system increases,” Environment Canada said.
For information concerning flooding, Environment Canada suggests visiting the Ontario.ca/floods website for more details.
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