Residents of Windsor and Essex County are bracing for a bout of inclement weather as Environment Canada has issued dual yellow-alert warnings for the region. The national weather agency is cautioning about periods of heavy rain on Sunday, followed by potentially damaging wind gusts on Monday.
Colour-Coded Alert System Explained
These warnings come under Environment Canada's recently updated colour-coded alert framework. A yellow alert signifies hazardous weather with moderate impacts. This level sits below more severe orange alerts, which warn of significant damage, and red alerts, which indicate very dangerous, potentially life-threatening conditions.
Sunday's Rainfall Warning
The first alert, a yellow rainfall warning, was issued at 9:03 a.m. on Sunday. Forecasters warn that heavy rain at times could lead to localized flooding. A key concern is the frozen ground's reduced ability to absorb the water, increasing runoff. Environment Canada is advising residents to help mitigate flooding risks by clearing storm drains of any snow and ice. The agency notes that some roads may become impassable due to pooling water. This rainfall warning is expected to end overnight Sunday.
Monday's Wind Warning
A separate yellow wind warning was issued earlier, at 4:24 a.m., and is set to take effect Monday morning, easing through the evening. Residents should prepare for strong southwesterly winds developing with the passage of a potent cold front. Gusts are forecast to reach 80 to 90 km/h.
While winds will shift to the northwest and begin to ease later in the day, gusts of 60 to 70 km/h are still likely into Monday evening. The weather agency warns that these conditions could lead to:
- Localized power outages.
- Damage to roofs, fences, and soft shelters.
- Broken tree branches.
As a precaution, securing loose outdoor objects is strongly recommended to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles.
This active weather pattern serves as a reminder for Windsor-Essex residents to stay informed through official Environment Canada channels and to take simple preparatory steps to ensure safety and minimize property damage during the alert period.
