Rain warning, flood watch for Hamilton

Rain of up to 50 millimetres is expected in Hamilton and a flood warning has been issued along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

Environment Canada posted a rain warning at 5:23 a.m. Sunday for Hamilton, cautioning of heavy rain and a few thunderstorms starting Sunday afternoon.

Warnings were also issued for Haldimand-Norfolk and Brant County. Rainfall watches were issued for Halton and Niagara, where rainfall totals between 30 and 60 millimetres are forecast by Tuesday morning.

Where warnings were issued, rainfall totals of up to 50 millimetres are likely" by Monday evening and precipitation is expected to continue into Tuesday, the weather agency says.

Localized rainfall totals could be higher in areas that see thunderstorms.

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) posted a flood watch Saturday, warning of strong shore-bound winds" Monday and Tuesday, increasing the risk of flooding and erosion.

Sustained winds from the north east of up to 40 km/h and gusts of up to 70 km/h is expected to produce waves of up to 2.1 metres.

HCA is warning residents along the shoreline to monitor the situation and to exercise caution near lakefront areas.

The flood watch is in effect until May 20. The conservation authority will update or cancel the flood watch at that time.

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