Rainfall warning for much of western Quebec this weekend

Environment Canada is forecasting 30 to 50 millimetres of rain in western Quebec Saturday and Sunday.

A rainfall warning went out Thursday afternoon for the region, except for Gatineau and the Grenville-sur-la-Rouge areas.

It later expanded to the latter, went slightly higher than the original range of 25 to 40 millimetres, and moved later to likely start on Saturday instead of Friday evening.

Up to 60 millimetres is possible in the hardest-hit areas, according to the latest warning.

The rain is expected to contribute to higher levels in some waterways, Environment Canada says, with local flooding possible in some low-lying areas.

The agency recommends being careful around rivers and culverts.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, which monitors that river's water levels, said Thursday afternoon its levels could be higher than normal between Fort-Coulonge, Que., and Ottawa's Britannia area starting Saturday — without coming close to the record highs of the previous decade.

"Minor flood levels may be exceeded in flood prone areas along the river between [those areas].... The minor flood level is defined as the level at which parts of some streets, lawns and parks are beginning to flood, with no or few houses/buildings being affected," the board said.

There are no alerts in eastern Ontario. Ottawa's forecast calls for showers on Saturday,