BlackburnNews.com file photo of freezing rain, February 24, 2016. (Photo by Jason Viau)BlackburnNews.com file photo of freezing rain, February 24, 2016. (Photo by Jason Viau)
London

Heavy rain, strong wind expected on Thursday

After last week's snow and freezing cold temperatures, more above-normal conditions are forecasted for parts of southwestern Ontario.

Early Tuesday evening, Environment Canada issued a special statement stating heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts are possible in areas including Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, London-Middlesex, along with Elgin, and Oxford counties.

In addition, the special weather statement was extended to parts of Huron-Perth, Wellington and Grey-Bruce counties, however those areas may experience freezing rain in the morning, before precipitation changes over to regular showers.

The weather agency said the system is expected to move in early Thursday morning and northeastward through the day. Rainfall amounts between 15-25 millimetres is possible, along with southwesterly wind gusts of 70-90 kilometres per hour.

"A brief period of freezing rain is possible Thursday morning for areas inland from the Great Lakes. Rain will taper to showers by Thursday evening. Gusty southwesterly winds are expected Thursday afternoon into early Thursday evening," the statement from Environment Canada read.

Residents are advised to tie down any loose outdoor items as high winds may toss objects around. Tree branches are also susceptible to breakage with blustery winds. Localized flooding may also occur in areas with poor drainage.

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