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Area conservation authorities are warning the public to be cautious around slippery riverbanks as a blast of above-zero weather melts snow dumped on the London region last week.
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Environment Canada was calling for a high of 3 C and rain on Monday, followed by above-freezing temperatures through Wednesday before cooling off later in the week.
Due to the rain and the temperatures in the forecast, the Catfish Creek conservation authority, which covers the Aylmer area, is warning of higher than normal water flows and unsafe riverbank conditions.
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The conservation authority is not expecting flooding, officials said in a statement Monday morning, however water levels are expected to increase after rain on Monday and Tuesday.
“Conditions exist for higher water levels resulting in unsafe bank conditions, and unpredictable dangers around waterways,” the Aylmer-area conservation authority said, adding people and pets should stay away from creeks and rivers.
The Catfish Creek conservation authority’s public alert will remain in place until 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Upper Thames River conservation authority, which covers London, has not yet issued a public alert about water levels, creek flows or riverbank conditions.
The London region was under snow squall alerts several days last week, when intense bands of lake-effect snow from Lake Huron streamed into the region. The winter storm closed roads, triggered whiteout conditions and closed schools in much of Southwestern Ontario.
The St. Clair River conservation authority, which covers Strathroy and much of Lambton County, issued an advisory Monday warning that runoff from melting snow is likely to increase water levels and lead to minor flooring in some low-lying areas.
The mild temperatures will not last. The cold weather is expected to return on Thursday, when the national weather agency is calling for a high of -10 C in London and a 40 per cent chance of flurries.
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