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 flood conditions are a possibility.
Weather Forecast: A low pressure system that will enter Southern Ontario bringing warm air temperatures and widespread rainfall. Starting Saturday and continuing through to Monday, the system is expected to deliver as much as 45 to 55 millimeters of rain in the Haliburton Lakes Region and as much as 30 to 45 millimeters of rain in the Kawartha Lakes Region. At the same time, there will be a rise in air temperatures causing continuous melting of snow and ice during the 3 day event.
Current Conditions and Risk in the Indian, Ouse and Otonabee River Watersheds: Due to the forecasted rainfall of 30 to 45 millimeters in the Kawartha Lakes Region, there is potential for nuisance or minor flooding in low-lying areas of the Indian, Ouse and Otonabee River watersheds. As a minimum, the expected rainfall will result in accumulations and ponding of water where there is poor drainage that could lead to the inundation of adjacent roads and pathways, and higher than normal water levels and flows in local rivers, streams and creeks.
Current Conditions and Risk in the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and Trent River: The Haliburton Lakes / Reservoir Lakes region is hydrologically connected to the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and the Trent River. Therefore, the forecasted warm air temperatures and significant rainfall amounts (as much as 45 to 55 millimeters) in the Haliburton Lakes / Reservoir Lakes region will cause water levels on the Kawartha Lakes to increase and ice cover to possibly break-up. Increasing water levels on the Kawartha Lakes will, in turn, increase water levels / flow on the Otonabee River, which will then raise water levels on Rice Lake and beyond.
With this message, Otonabee Conservation is advising all area residents to: 1) immediately prepare themselves for possible flooding; 2) keep away from all waterbodies / watercourses, conveyance structures (e.g., dams, culverts and bridges); and, 3) stay clear of anywhere that water can be seen to be accumulating and ponding.
This FLOOD WATCH message will be updated Sunday, March 29, 2020 before 3 p.m.
Gord Earle | Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 214
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
| Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228