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Subject: FLOOD WATCH – Issued for all watercourses and waterbodies within Otonabee Conservation’s geographical jurisdiction except the Kawartha Lakes, lower Otonabee River, and Rice Lake.
Issued to: Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management.
This FLOOD WATCH is issued to alert municipalities and residents that floods are possible.
Weather Threat
This afternoon, evening and into the night, severe thunderstorms could develop over our Region, producing localized rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 millimeters. Tomorrow (Friday, July 21st) could see lingering rainfall and non-severe thunderstorms, but the threat of severe weather will have passed.
Flood Risk
Owing to recent rainfall events, local river, stream, and creek flows/levels are above normal for this time of year. This, combined with the possibility of severe thunderstorms that are characterized by rapidly falling/heavy rainfall totalling 30 to 50 millimeters, means localized flooding and ponding is possible. If we do experience severe thunderstorm activity, then resulting high water flows/levels may persist throughout the weekend.
Large lakes and long stretches of river along the Trent Severn Waterway (i.e., Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River below Lock #19/Peterborough, Rice Lake, and Trent River to Hastings) can absorb localized rainfall events without flooding. However, short lengths of the Otonabee River, such as those between the locks above Peterborough, may see a rapid increase in water levels, if they are directly hit by thunderstorm activity.
Otonabee Conservation is advising everyone to be vigilant and cautious, especially residents and businesses located along the shores of local rivers, streams, and creeks, because existing high-water levels/flows combined with the possibility of severe thunderstorm activity makes for dangerous conditions on and around waterbodies and watercourses. Otonabee Conservation also advises everyone to always stay away from water control (i.e., dams) and water conveyance structures (i.e., culverts).
Water levels can be monitored on-line at:
- Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
- Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
- Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website
This FLOOD WATCH will expire Monday, July 24, 2023, unless updated earlier.
For more information:
Gordon Earle | Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 214
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com | Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228