The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is keeping an eye on local streams and creeks as rain and warm weather are expected to cause water levels to rise.

A weather system is expected to bring 10 to 25 mm of rain by Saturday and the temperatures are expected to be above zero throughout the time period rising to 18 C by Saturday.

“It is anticipated that this will melt most, if not all, of the remaining snow in the watershed,” the authority said in a statement.

Officials say the ground is saturated and has low ability to soak up water. Rain and snowmelt will quickly run off into local watercourses. Water is expected to overflow into low-lying areas that usually flood in the spring. Some watercourses have started to show signs of rising. SCRCA expects water levels to continue to rise gradually and remain elevated into next week.

Conservation authority officials say you should avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks, unsafe ice cover and cold, swift-moving water. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.