Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for areas in the Durham Region due to the risk of local flooding.

According to the weather agency, areas along the shores of Lake Ontario in Pickering and Oshawa may experience potential flooding caused by a combination of high water levels and strong southwest winds gusting to 70 km/h resulting in waves up to two-metres high along the shoreline.

The strong winds with a chance of showers will move into the region early this afternoon at around 2 p.m. and will shift to a more westerly direction overnight, gradually diminishing on Wednesday.

Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins said crews will proactively monitor rail lines to ensure that it is clear of water to avoid any disruption of service.

“No impacts expected but we are monitoring the weather and weather statements very closely,” Aikins said. “The rain this afternoon will persist but our water level projections suggest we should be fine for afternoon rush.”