The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the entire watershed region.
A Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook is issued to raise awareness. Based on weather forecasts for significant rain over the next 3 days, as well as the potential for additional precipitation if thunderstorms develop, a change in conditions on local waterways is imminent.
This statement has been issued to the Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills, as well as Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management.
The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) advises that starting this afternoon and continuing over the next 3 days, a large and very slow moving low pressure system (and associated fronts) will move across southern Ontario bringing the local region total 3-day rainfall accumulations in the 40-70 millimeter (mm) range. With this system, there is also a risk of strong thunderstorms capable of producing an additional 25 to 50mm of rain in one to two hours.
Today (Monday, Aug 27th) and over-night, tonight, total accumulations (not including rainfall as a result of thunderstorm activity) will be 10 to 20mm. As unsettled conditions continue, tomorrow will see another 10 to 20mm of rain. On Wednesday (August 29th), an additional 20 to 30 millimeters of precipitation will fall. Overnight Wednesday and into Thursday, the low pressure system (and associated fronts) will leave the region and be replaced by a high pressure system bringing with it clear skies.
An estimated 40 to 70 mm of rainfall over 3 days means that we can expect a marked change in water levels and flows of area lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and wetlands. As a result, local waterbodies / watercourses will become more dangerous than normal, especially in the vicinity of water conveyance structures such as dams, culverts and bridges. Flooding, however, is not expected. That said, if intense rainfall were to occur as a result of thunderstorms, then flooding and/or ponding on roads, intersections and low lying areas is possible.
ORCA hereby advises area residents to keep away from all watercourses and water conveyance structures (e.g., dams, culverts and bridges), to stay clear of areas where water can be seen to be accumulating and ponding, and to prepare themselves and their property for the possibility that strong thunderstorms may develop.
This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK message will be in effect through Thursday August 30, 2018.