KAWARTHA LAKES- Flooding continues to impact the area and a Flood Watch is in effect until Friday.
Wychwood Crescent in Fenelon Falls remains flooded, while the water has subsided on Industrial Park Drive. In Lindsay there is also flooding in the area of St. Peter and Colborne Street.
St Peter and Colborne St. Photo courtesy: Brandon Keenan
Mount Horeb Road in Omemee will be closed from Lilac Road to Hwy 7 for road maintenance due to flooding. The road will be closed between 9:00AM to 2:00PM February 22, 2018. Wylie Road north of McNamee Road in Kirkfield is closed due to a washout. Creek View Road is closed from Palestine Road and Eldon Station Road in Eldon due to flooding.
Up to 200 homes in the Lindsay area have had water damage according to local Insurance adjusters.
Heavy rain and a February thaw lead to a Flood Outlook that was upgraded to a Warning.
Precipitation gauges around the Kawartha Conservation watershed have recorded an additional 10-15 mm of rain since Tuesday morning. More rain, up to 5mm is forecast for today; remnants of snow cover where existing will continue melting, contributing to the run off according to Kawartha Conservation.
Water levels and flows in local rivers and streams within the watershed have increased significantly. Many watercourses have exceeded their bankfull levels. Flooding has been reported in floodplains, low-lying areas, and areas with poor drainage and road ditches across the watershed in some places causing flooding of private dwellings and properties. Exceptionally high water levels are occurring at Mariposa Brook.
Ice jams have been observed by officials yesterday. In these watershed conditions local watercourses will continue to run very high and fast. As precipitation moves out of the watershed this afternoon, it is expected that water levels will stabilize and start declining overnight. Furthermore, some smaller watercourses, especially in southern portion of the watershed have already peaked and started decreasing. However, it will take longer for larger rivers to respond and peak.
Under these circumstances, all local watercourses and waterbodies 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. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside, officials recommend.
Trent-Severn Waterway officials are monitoring situation closely and say they are prepared to adjust flows through water control structures accordingly.
Burnt and Gull River levels are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the MNRF Minden office at 705-286-5207 or 705-457-6434 (cell).
