UPDATE: FLOOD WARNING CANCELLED
KAWARTHA LAKES- Record-breaking amounts of precipitation have been recorded within the Kawartha Conservation watershed according to conservation officials.
Kawartha Conservation says almost 80 mm of total precipitation, including rain, freezing rain, ice pallets and snow, was observed in Port Perry over the last 36 hours. At the Indian Point Provincial Park monitoring location 67.5 mm was recorded. Out of those amounts, 57-62 mm has fallen as rain.
The numbers are based on information from Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Surface Water Monitoring Centre and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
A Flood Warning is now in effect for the Kawartha Conservation watershed with very high water levels are being reported throughout the watershed jurisdiction.
“A major amount of runoff from the rain and melted snowpack was produced. As a result, water levels in local rivers and creeks have increased rapidly and are currently running exceptionally high and fast.” said KC in an email to Kawartha 411. “However, no further increases are anticipated as precipitation has moved out of the region and the air temperature remains below freezing mark. Furthermore, data shows that water levels at all monitoring location (Mariposa Brook, Pigeon River, Blackstock Creek and Nonquon River) have started declining slowly.”
Some local residents have reported flooded basements and roads.
Officials say all local watercourses, ditches and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover where it exists is unstable and hazardous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from rivers and lakes, 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.
Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should be on alert.  Regular inspection and removal of debris at culverts and drainage inlets is recommended.
This Flood Warning will be in effect until Monday, January 13th, 2020.
