Flood Watch — Lower Ottawa River
April 9, 2020 — A Flood Watch is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River. Water levels and flows from Arnprior to Hawkesbury continue to rise gradually due to on-going snowmelt in the central and northern portions of the Ottawa River basin.
On Monday a spring storm is expected to bring above average temperatures and a significant amount of rainfall. Minor flood levels may be exceeded in low-lying, flood prone areas depending on the temperatures and precipitation received.
Levels and flows are expected to stabilize into the weekend and will continue to rise beginning on Monday.
Levels are currently expected to remain below major flood thresholds in all locations and are expected to be similar to levels reached in May 2018.
AREAS OF CONCERN ALONG LOWER OTTAWA RIVER:
Water levels are expected to be similar or below the peak levels reached in May 2018 for:
- Constance Bay and Brit-annia(Grandview Road, Britannia Village, Belltown Community)
Water levels are expected to be similar or slightly above the peak levels reached in May 2018 for:
- East of Cumberland Village (Boisé Village, Morin Road, Leo Lane)
- Clarence-Rockland (Voisine, Onesime Guilbord Roads)
- Alfred-Plantagenet (Presqu’ile (Miller Island), Presquile Road)
- L’Orignal (Montpetit and Dufour Streets)
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and to take necessary measures to protect their property. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children.
The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities monitor water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at ottawariver.ca/forecasts/.
To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit:
www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.
This FLOOD WATCH is in effect until April 23, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
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MEDIA CONTACT: John Mesman, Lead, Communications and Outreach,
South Nation Conservation, 613-984-2948, jmesman@nation.on.ca.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Omar Kana’n, Water Resources Specialist – Engineering,
South Nation Conservation, 613-883-7103,okanan@nation.on.ca.
Definitions:
- Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is
not expected.
- Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions.
- Flood Watch: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.
- Flood Warning: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.