Torrential rainfall in London, Ont., breaks century-old records

Monday's heavy rainfall broke local weather records set more than a century ago in London, Ont.

A total of 59.3 mm of rail fell in the city, breaking the previous record of 45.2 mm set in 1923, according to Environment Canada.

"This is certainly not something that we're going to see very day or very often," said Trudy Kidd, meteorologist with Environment Canada. "Still, that's a lot of rain."

Monday's downpour followed days after the remnants of Hurricane Beryl passed through the region. The storm had first made a landfall in Grenada before moving deeper in the Caribbean Sea, where it hit Jamaica and eventually Mexico. It brought unprecedented amounts of precipitation to southwestern Ontario as it moved over Texas, where it caused tornadoes and flooding.

Heavy rainfall on Tuesday morning could also have broken records, said Kidd.

"The previous record for July 16 is 43 mm and that was set in 1988," she said. "So tomorrow we'll have that information for the final rainfall amount."

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) issued a news release Tuesday saying that up to 60 mm of rain fell in areas north of London on Tuesday morning. Environment Canada reports the record rainfall for July 16 in London at 43 mm in 1988.

"The Upper Thames River watershed has now received 75-170 mm of rain over the past week, and the ground is saturated and unable to absorb runoff," the statement read.

There could even be more rain to come, Kidd added, as forecasters warn of possible thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Londoners urged to stay clear of watercourses

Some municipal rain gauges in London have reported 75 mm of rain in the spanof about two hours during the early morning hours of Monday, according totheUTRCA. Other stationsmeasuredcloser to 50 to 60 mm.

It resulted in flooding in urban areas where drainage systems were overwhelmed.Watercourses are expected to remain elevated until mid-week.

On Tuesday, continued rain resulted in the closure of a section of Highway 402 near Watford.

The UTRCA urged drivers to avoid driving through flooded roadways, Tuesday.

The conservation authority also warned people to avoid being near waterways in general.

"Water is swift-moving and levels high,"the UTRCA said. "Parents and guardians are reminded to keep children and pets away from all watercourses and out of any flooded areas."