EXPIRED | Flood Watch Update | March 22, 2022

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THIS MESSAGE IS NO LONGER ACTIVE

Message # 2022-08
Issued:  12:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Subject:  FLOOD WATCH UPDATE issued for all waterbodies and watercourses in the Region excluding the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake (i.e., Trent-Severn Waterway)

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 ORCA’s other partners in flood emergency management.

This FLOOD WATCH UPDATE is issued to alert municipalities, residents, and businesses that floods are possible on local watercourses/waterbodies due to a Texas low pressure system arriving to our Region.  

During the first 3 weeks of March, our Region experienced a warming trend accompanied by a total accumulation of just 20 millimeters of precipitation, resulting in relatively gentle run-off volumes as the snowpack melted. However, we are about to be reminded that Spring can be a time of tumultuous weather.

Weather Forecast

Beginning Wednesday, a Texas low pressure system will bring rain coupled with strong, cold easterly winds and possibly periods of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain. Rainfall will peak in the evening and overnight hours. Totals amounts of 20 millimeters are expected on Wednesday, March 23rd, followed by another 10 millimeters falling during the remainder of this week.

Risk to Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake

A separate Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety message has been issued for the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake.

Risk to Local Rivers, Streams, Creeks, and Wetlands

Residents and businesses along the shores of local 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. Area residents can expect ponding and possible flooding in low-lying areas – pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are advised to observe and obey all road or path closure signs. 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). KEEP S.A.F.E. – Stay Away From Edges of riverbanks/lakeshores as they will be slippery and the banks may collapse because of undercutting.

Water levels can be monitored on-line at:

  1. Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
  2. Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data 
  3. Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

This FLOOD WATCH UPDATE message will expire FRIDAY, APRIL 01st, 2022, unless up-dated earlier.

For more information, contact:
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