Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Water are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding Wednesday morning. Flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas due to a combination of extremely dry soil and what is expected to be rapidly falling rain over a short period of time. The dry soil means there is very little ability to absorb the water. Environment Canada is predicting rainfall to be heavy over a three-hour period, beginning in the Halifax region at approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday. Rainfall amounts are expected to be in the range of 20-40 millimetres in the Halifax region. Halifax Water and municipal staff are out this afternoon checking for clogged catch basins to ensure when the rain starts it has a steady unobstructed flow into appropriate drainage areas. The municipal Emergency Management Office is monitoring the situation and is urging residents to take appropriate measures to clear pathways for water, and remove debris for nearby catch basins and rain gutters. Motorists are also reminded to be extremely careful on the roads in the morning, as the weather conditions could result in an increased possibility of hydroplaning. Source: Release