Heavy rainfall warnings in effect as communities grapple with flooding

CTV News weather specialist Rick Wyman has the details of the weather forecast for the next seven days across northeastern Ontario.

Environment Canada has issued heavy rainfall warnings for areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, with up to 30 mm of rain beginning Friday and extending into Saturday.

“Rain, at times heavy, is expected,” the warning said.

“The ground, already near saturation, has little ability to absorb further rainfall.”

The rain is part of a cold front that will sweep through the region tonight into Saturday, bringing showers and the risk of a thunderstorm.

“Portions of the region have received significant rainfall amounts over the last few days. As a result, further rainfall could have significant impacts,” Environment Canada said.

“Localized flooding is likely. Some roads may become impassable. Don’t drive through flooded roadways. Avoid low-lying areas. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.”

Flooding has already hit several communities in the area. Sudbury said Friday it is handing out sandbags at public works depots across the city. Dial 311 to find out the closest one near you.

“As flooding continues to impact our community, many roadways have become inaccessible to traffic,” the city said in an update.

Affected streets include:

-Larchmont Drive (Chelmsford)

-Mikkola Road (from Bonnie Drive to Kantola Road, Lively)

-Simmons Road (Bridge section, Chelmsford)

-Kauppi Road (Wahnapitae)

-Molly’s Road (Wahnapitae)

-Johnson Road (Worthington)

-Boundary Road (Whitefish)

-Caruso Street (Coniston)

Sandbags available in North Bay

Sandbags are also available in North Bay, the city said Friday.

Sandbags are available at filling stations at Sunset Park at the end of Sunset Boulevard, and Champlain Park at the end of Premier Road.

City staff will be on site at these locations Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This is in addition to the filling station already operating at Public Works on Franklin Street,” the city said in a news release.

“The city is closely monitoring conditions. While water levels have not yet reached flood damage thresholds, they could approach them next week depending on weather and lake conditions.”

Sandbags are intended to help reinforce breakwalls and act as barriers to prevent water from reaching structures.

For information concerning flooding, visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details.

To report severe weather, send an email to [e-mail] or post reports on X using #ONStorm.