KAWARTHA LAKES-A Flood Watch has been issued for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.
Officials say another weather system is expected move into the region overnight with the potential for rainfall up to 15 mm on Friday. Rainfall combined with melting snow and saturated ground conditions will sustain and potentially further increase water levels and flows in local watercourses.
“Recent mild weather and light rain has substantially reduced the snowpack around the Kawartha Conservation watershed and saturated the ground, reducing its ability to absorb the rain. Flows have been elevated over the past three days and have receded somewhat as rain has stopped and the snowmelt has subsided in below freezing mark air temperatures.” Â said a statement from Kawartha Conservation.
Precipitation that is expected tomorrow, combined with snowmelt and saturated ground conditions, will result in an increased runoff.
“All local watercourses will respond to it by further elevated water levels and running faster. No widespread flooding is expected, however, flooding in low lying areas, areas adjacent to streams and road ditches may occur. Roads overtopping, especially in already known flood prone locations, may happen. Ponding of water on urban surfaces may occur as storm sewer systems can become overwhelmed by high runoff or blocked with snow, ice or debris. Rapid deterioration of the ice cover on local rivers and streams is expected.” Kawartha Conservation explained.
Under these watershed conditions all local watercourses 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. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover where it exists is unstable and hazardous. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
