KAWARTHA LAKES-The remnants of Hurricane Beryl are expected to reach southern Ontario on Wednesday, bringing significant precipitation into the southern portion of the province. Heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms are forecasted in the next couple of days across the Kawartha watershed, which likely will cause localized flooding in some areas. Light rain will begin this afternoon with a risk of thunderstorms. It will develop into heavy downpours or thunderstorms Wednesday morning and may persist until Friday morning depending on the weather pattern development. Approximately 35 to 45mm of rain is expected Wednesday through Thursday, with a chance of more precipitation during heavy thunderstorms. Some areas may experience higher rainfall rates than others due to localized downpours.
Currently, flows and water levels, across the Kawartha Conservation watershed, are back to the normal seasonal range. The forecasted rainfalls will likely result in higher water levels and flows in creeks, rivers, streams, and lakes over the weekend. Widespread flooding is not anticipated. However heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling. In addition, fast-flowing water and flooding in low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage is possible within the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction.
Based on information received from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for Tuesday, July 9 through to Friday, July 12.
All watercourses have the potential to be dangerous during extensive heavy rain. Riverbanks are saturated and slippery and areas with moving water may be unsafe. Therefore, Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay a safe distance from all streams and rivers, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of the dangerous conditions and supervised while outside.
This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Friday, July 12, 2024.
Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent Severn Waterway, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and neighbouring Conservation Authorities during all flood situations.
