This Flood Watch is no longer active.
Message # 2023-08
Issued: 3:30 p.m., Monday March 20, 2023
Subject: FLOOD WATCH – issued for Local Watercourses
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, residents, and businesses that floods are possible.
Weather Forecast: Today, spring officially arrives and with the changing season comes rising air temperatures, increasing solar radiation and precipitation transforming from snow to rain. Also, very turbulent weather is common in the months of March, April, and May as large-scale low-pressure storms and their associated fronts move through the Region bringing with them widespread rainfall – spring has the highest number of days with rainfall.
Looking at the immediate weather forecast, starting Wednesday, March 22nd, and continuing through Thursday, March 23rd, above-zero air temperatures will combine with rain totalling 10 to 20 millimeters before a return to cooler air temperatures and snowfall on the weekend.
Expected Watershed Conditions: The combination of warm air temperatures and warm rain falling on the Region’s already-saturated snowpack that is sitting atop frozen and/or saturated soils, is expected to result in run-off of 20-30 millimeters. The combined rain and snowmelt run-off will cause wetlands to swell, ponding of water in low-lying areas and ditches, increased water levels and flows within our local rivers, streams and creeks, and possible flooding, albeit minor flooding and not widespread. The Trent-Severn Waterway is not expected to flood due to this rain-on-snow event.
Residents and visitors are advised to not drive, cycle, or walk through flooded areas and to obey all road/traffic closures. Residents and businesses along the shores of area waterbodies and watercourses, especially those located in low-lying areas, are strongly encouraged to keep a close watch for possible flooding and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Adults, parents, and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children, and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts, and bridges).
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 message will expire Monday, March 27th, 2023, unless up-dated earlier.
For more information:
Gord 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