The flood warning for Temiskaming Shores, Harris Township, Cobalt, and points south in the upper Ottawa River area has been extended until Monday.

In an update at 12:30 p.m. today (May 4), the North Bay district of the Ministry of Natural Resources urged residents to keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers, streams and low-lying areas.

“Please alert and monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities,” it said.

It noted:

Water levels and stream flows throughout the Upper Ottawa River watershed have steadily increased over the past several days in response to the large, slow-moving low-pressure system that deposited significant precipitation across the area.

Milder temperatures have weakened ice and caused breakup of the remaining cover where it exists, causing localized water level increases and flooding should ice jamming occur.

Municipalities and residents, especially those in low-lying areas and along shorelines, are encouraged to monitor these conditions and prepare accordingly.

Shorelines and banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and unstable at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard.

The message is the same in the Sturgeon River watershed, which includes the Tilden Lake and West Nipissing area.

The ministry reports that southern areas are snow-free, and most lakes have lost ice cover. Northern areas still have some snow remaining in sheltered areas.

There have been reports of washed-out roads and water cresting roads within the watershed due to the current high-water levels.

Across Northeastern Ontario, it said water levels and stream flows have steadily increased over the past few days in response to that large weather system.

Structures such as homes, boat houses and docks could be at risk of flooding if located near lake/river level.