Environment Canada issued a special weather statement forecasting “significant” rainfall in the Temiskaming Shores area this weekend.

Total rainfall of 15 millimetres to 30 millimetres are expected, with more in some areas due to thunderstorms.

Rain is to begin early Saturday morning and continue into Sunday morning, and be heaviest into Saturday night.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a flood warning in the Lake Temagami area.

Rainfall in the Lake Temagami area, as well as the Sturgeon River, Lake Nipissing and Upper French River areas, is expected to be in the range of 35 millimetres to 50 millimetres.

It noted that Lake Temagami water levels are high – currently at 294.01 metres – and have started to enter the flood allowance.

The warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. May 2.