Flood watch issued by Kawartha Conservation with insistent rain, melting

By Roderick Benns

Ford government undermines environmental protections, says reader

A series of the low-pressure systems is moving through southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed, bringing a significant amount of rain.

Precipitation amounts from 20 mm to 37 mm were reported by monitoring locations throughout the watershed this morning. An additional 20 to 30 mm of rain is predicted before the rain moves out of the region this Wednesday afternoon.

Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning for the area that encompasses Kawartha Conservation watershed.

FLOOD WATCH

DATE:    February 20, 2018
TIME:    12:30 pm

Message sent on the basis of information received from:
•    Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
•    Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Surface Water Monitoring Centre
•    Environment Canada
•    Trent-Severn Waterway

A series of the low-pressure systems is moving through southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed, bringing a significant amount of rain.  Precipitation amounts from 20 mm to 37 mm were reported by monitoring locations throughout the watershed this morning. An additional 20 to 30 mm of rain is predicted before the rain moves out of the region this Wednesday afternoon. Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning for the area that encompasses Kawartha Conservation watershed.

Heavy precipitation, combined with snowmelt and frozen ground conditions are resulting in significant runoff. Water levels in local rivers and streams are currently rapidly increasing and are expected to exceed their bankfull conditions in multiple locations. Smaller steams are responding faster, while it takes longer for larger watercourses to react.

Flooding in low lying areas, areas adjacent to streams and road ditches is anticipated. Roads overtopping have been reported in several locations. Ponding of water on urban surfaces may occur as storm sewer systems can become overwhelmed by high runoff or clogged with snow, ice and debris. Rapid deterioration of the ice cover on local rivers and streams has been observed.

Under these watershed conditions all local watercourses should be considered extremely dangerous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover where it exists is unstable and hazardous.  Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.

Municipalities are advised to monitor areas known for flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. As local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies, residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop.

Trent-Severn Waterway officials are closely watching this current situation and will be adjusting dam settings throughout the system when the situation warrants. Staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are monitoring water levels of the Burnt and Gull rivers.

This Flood Watch will be in effect until Friday, February 23rd 2018. If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

*