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WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT: Flood Outlook - UPDATE

Submitted by T Campbell on Tue, 17/03/2020 - 2:21pm
17-Mar-2020 27-Mar-2020

This statement is an update to the Flood Outlook statement issued March 9, 2020.

Weather Forecast:
Environment Canada is forecasting 10 to 30 mm of rain starting Thursday, March 19th into Friday, March 20th. Temperatures are expected to rise rapidly at the end of this week.

Environmental Conditions:
Last week’s precipitation and warm temperatures have helped melt a significant amount of snowpack. Water levels have been dropping since last week but remain above normal in most parts of the watershed for this time of year.

Risks:
Based on current forecasts, continued melt is expected with increased runoff from rain.

Ice cover on rivers and streams may breakup as a result of warm temperatures and higher flows, increasing the risk of ice jams and associated overbank flooding.

Higher than normal water levels may cause nuisance flooding in low-lying areas.

ACTION:
Residents are advised to stay away from rivers as the forecasted weather may rapidly increase river flows and banks might be unstable and slippery. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should also take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

  • Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
  • Portable generator and backup pump.
  • Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from
    the dwelling.
  • Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase.
  • Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
  • Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
  • Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan.

Duration:
This statement is in effect until Tuesday, March 24th, 2020.

SNC monitors water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions please email waterwatch@nation.on.ca, post on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Omar Kana’n, Water Resources Specialist – Engineering,
1-877-984-2948, okanan@nation.on.ca.

Forwarded to:  All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory

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