WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD WATCH
South Nation Conservation (SNC) cautions residents that water levels are expected to rise significantly over the next few days. SNC is upgrading the “Flood Outlook” statement issued on April 3, 2017 to a “Flood Watch”. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information regarding the forecasted weather and the potential of flooding throughout the SNC jurisdiction.
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts 30 to 50 mm of rain today and a high of 15 degrees Celcius this weekend. The forecasted weather will cause remaining snow to melt and runoff to watercourses as the ground is almost completely saturated. Water levels in rivers and streams are currently high; the additional runoff may cause localized flooding.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board cautions that “water levels and flows on the Ottawa River are expected to significantly increase this week due to warming temperatures and rainfall”. They also advise of the possibility of minor flooding over the next few days to the residents in low-lying areas along the shores of the Ottawa River.
Severe flooding is not a concern at this time; however, nuisance flooding in low-lying areas may be observed. Furthermore, potential for blocked storm drains, catch basins and culverts are very high which may also cause localized flooding.
Residents are advised to stay away from rivers as the forecasted weather may rapidly increase river flows and cause flooding, and banks may be unstable and slippery. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
SNC staff will continue to monitor the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will provide updates in the event conditions change.
SNC encourages the public to visit www.nation.on.ca and to also provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions in their local areas. All feedback can be sent to waterwatch@nation.on.ca, posted on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation), or Tweet us your photos (@SouthNationCA).
For more information, please contact Sandra Mancini at 1-877-984-2948 ext. 223 or Golam Sharif at ext. 373.
This statement is in effect until Monday, April 10, 2017.