Thursday, May 15, 2014 – 4PM:
The Ministry of Natural Resources – Kirkland Lake District is advising residents in the area of the Montreal River and Blanche River systems, that the Flood Watch currently in place has been upgraded to a Flood Warning.
Residents along the Montreal River and Blanche River systems are advised to keep a close watch on conditions regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around water bodies as levels and flows are high and expected to increase with forecasted precipitation amounts and already saturated ground in most areas. Flooding in low lying areas may be occurring or imminent and residents may wish to take action necessary to secure or protect property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. . It is advised that local residents continue to use caution around all watercourses within the district.
MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
The current forecasted weather system moving through the area has the potential to bring precipitation amounts in the range of 20mm – 30mm from Thursday morning to Friday afternoon. It is expected that this system will move out Friday with minimal precipitation amounts through the long weekend.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels and flows in the Montreal and Blanche river systems are currently high. It is expected as the rain that is received moves into the system levels and flows will increase through the weekend and flooding is imminent or occurring in some areas. Actual precipitation amounts will determine rates of increase in the river system.
Expiry Date:
This message will expire on Tuesday, May 20 2014, 12:00 AM
Terminology: Notification Levels
WATERSHED 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
WATERSHED 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.
FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
Contact Information
For more information please contact:
Leah Marinigh, Acting District Planner, 705-568-3209
A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.
Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/
The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding