The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is sharing the Flood Watch concerns of the Ottawa River Regulating Committee.
A Flood Watch Statement is in effect for areas along the Lower Ottawa River from Arnprior to Hawkesbury.
The warns that weather events over the next few weeks, in particular events bringing above normal temperatures and heavy rainfall, may lead to flood levels being exceeded.
Water levels and flows have been gradually increasing along the main stem of the Ottawa River. These may mix with runoff and snow melt from outside the Valley, and with any new precipitation received.
Minor flood levels may be exceeded in flood prone areas along the river between Lake Coulonge and Carillon (Pembroke to Hawkesbury) starting Saturday, April 26th and reach a point where parts of some streets, lawns and parks may flood, (with no or few houses/buildings being affected).
It’s too early to tell if this situation will worsen. Updates are being provided as conditions change.
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures: stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable; explain dangers to children and provide appropriate supervision.
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.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 STATEMENT is in effect until May 21st at 5PM.
By Rick Stow