Otonabee Conservation has issued an FLOOD WARNING UPDATE for all watercourses / waterbodies in the geographical jurisdiction of the Conservation Authority.
This is an update to the FLOOD WARNING that was first issued Saturday April 14.
A FLOOD WARNING is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring
WEATHER FORECAST:
In both the Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton Lakes regions, rain is expected to continue today (Friday, May 04th), but will end overnight, tonight. The Kawartha Lakes region is expected to receive another 5 millimeters today, while the Haliburton Lakes region is expected to receive 15 millimeters before the system leaves the region. However, as the front edge of the cold air mass moves through the Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton Lakes regions this afternoon (Friday, May 04th), there is also the possibility of severe thunderstorms which, if realized, could bring widespread, heavy rains.
OUSE RIVER, INDIAN RIVER, and TRIBUTARIES of the KAWARTHA LAKES and OTONABEE RIVER:
Rainfall received during the past several days was less than expected, but nonetheless, was sufficient to maintain nuisance / minor flooding in low-lying areas on the Ouse River and Indian River, as well as above normal levels / flows on the tributaries to the Otonabee River (e.g., Rays Creek, Jackson Creek, Meade Creek, Cavan Creek, Baxter Creek, etc.). Given the forecasted rainfall of 5 millimeters before the current disturbance clears the area, conditions are not expected to worsen, and relief will arrive next week. However, if the frontal passage brings with it severe thunderstorms, then the already high water conditions will worsen, and relief will be delayed.
KAWARTHA LAKES, OTONABEE RIVER, and RICE LAKE:
Currently, the water levels / flows on the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake are high and causing nuisance / minor flooding in low-lying areas, but holding steady. If the frontal passage does not bring with it severe thunderstorms, then it is expected that the Haliburton Lakes region can absorb the otherwise forecasted rainfall, and thereby the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake will continue to hold steady. However, if the frontal passage brings with it widespread thunderstorms, then the Haliburton Lakes region will not be able to contain the resultant high run-off, causing the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake to likewise rise.
PREPARATION and CAUTION URGED:
Otonabee Conservation advises residents and businesses in flood vulnerable areas to prepare themselves and their properties for possible further flooding due to the potential for severe thunderstorms this afternoon, and the effect that the associated heavy rainfalls could have on already high water levels / flows.
Otonabee Conservation also reminds all area residents to keep away from all waterbodies / watercourses, water conveyance structures (e.g., dams, culverts and bridges), and anywhere that water can be seen to be ponding.
Otonabee Conservation will continue monitoring watershed conditions throughout the weekend, and will next update this FLOOD WARNING no later than 3:00 pm MONDAY, MAY 07, 2018.