ERCA issues warning as a result of recent quick thaw

The Detroit River on Dec. 8, 2024. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Mother Nature is having a meltdown. In a span of three days our region has gone from kids tobogganing down hills and skating on outdoor rinks to trying to splashing around in puddles.

“With the heavy frost that’s still in the ground we’re not seeing any infiltration. We’re watching it very closely,” said Tim Byrne, CAO of the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

He tells CTV News some municipalities have expressed concern over ice jamming, which could happen under bridges and hold run off water back from draining naturally.

Although the probability is low, there is concern about runoff water accumulating because of ice packs rotting.

“There is every chance the runoff that we’re seeing accumulating right now, working its way through it increases the potential for that and the concern for that,” said Byrne.

It rained Wednesday afternoon, adding more water to the already flooded fields across Essex County. A lot of that could freeze this weekend, with the temperatures expected to dip. The fluctuation in weather recently is good for some and not so good for others, including those who grow wheat.

“Well, it becomes a problem if the ice stays there,” said Essex-County farmer Ray. “If it doesn’t warm up enough to drain the water off and the ice stays on the way too long, it’ll kill the wheat. Usually, it’ll thaw out enough that the water drains and you’re all set, but sometimes you’re in for crop insurance.”

Byrne said the fluctuation is good for some sectors, “Significant spikes are good for the maple syrup industry.”

He also warns residents to be aware of standing water, especially around fields and low-lying park areas.

“Keep pets and small children, livestock away from some of those areas where there’s standing water. Standing water hides and masks hazards, drains, drainage outlets that are just covered with that standing water,” Byrne said.