Rain could spell trouble for Ontario's flood prone areas, cooler temps to follow

Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 6:49 AM -

A long-awaited dose of above seasonal temperatures moved into southern Ontario on Monday.

Temperatures hovered around the 20°C mark in several communities, sending residents flocking outside to enjoy the warmth. 

With the warmer temperatures however, comes the rain. 

Rain pushed into the region Monday night, continuing through the evening and overnight hours.

In some areas, the rain could continue through Tuesday night.

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A special weather statement was issued for several communities, including: Cornwall, Ottawa, Parry Sound and Algonquin regions.

"Periods of rain associated with a low pressure system moving across southern Ontario will continue today," said Environment Canada in the statement early Tuesday. "Total rainfall amounts of this system are expected to be in the 10 to 20 mm range."

Since there is also a chance of isolated thunderstorms, some areas could get as much as 25 mm of rain, EC adds.

"Periods of rain are expected to end east of Georgian Bay later today, but persist through tonight over eastern Ontario," says EC.

Officials say the rain could be bad news for residents on flood prone areas. 

Residents are being urged to consult local conservation authorities or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district office for more information on spring flood conditions.

In addition to the wet weather, cooler temperatures are expected as the system moves through.

"Northwest winds will make things feel a lot colder behind the system and northern parts of the Greater Toronto Area could even see wet snow Tuesday night," says Gina Ressler, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.