ORCA issues Flood Watch - July 9, 2024

Message # 2024-10
Issued:  1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 09, 2024

Subject:  FLOOD WATCH - Issued for all waterbodies and watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation.

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 business that there is potential for flooding in all waterbodies, watercourses and municipalities.   

WEATHER:  There is the potential for significant amounts of rainfall and thunderstorms starting this afternoon, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, and continuing for the next three to four days. On Wednesday July 10, 2024, the expected total rainfall amount is 40-50 mm, while some areas may receive 50-100mm of rain.

This is caused by a cooler air mass moving into the area followed by increasing cloud formation and thunderstorms. This is a result of a low-pressure system merging with the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which is now classified as a tropical depression. Confidence in the track, timing and rainfall amounts is low, however similar past events have brought torrential downpours with rainfall rates of 20-40 mm per hour.  

HYDROLOGY:  Present lake levels and river flows are within their normal ranges for this time of year. However, widespread and sustained rainfall over the next three to four days could result in the rapid rise of water levels, flows and flooding.  

ACTIONS:  Low-lying properties along the shorelines of area lakes, rivers and streams that are vulnerable to flooding are advised to stay aware of weather and water conditions and prepare for potential flooding to occur at anytime during the next three to four days. As the weather clears and the threat of flooding dissipates, high water levels and flows will persist through the weekend, and possibly beyond.  Recreational water users are urged to remain cautious.

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 message will expire Monday, July 15, 2024, at 3 p.m., unless up-dated earlier.

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