ORCA issues Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - September 24, 2024

Message #2024-17
Issued: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024

This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is issued for all watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation, except the Trent-Severn Waterway. This is  a result of widespread rainfall events causing higher-than-normal water flows and levels that may be dangerous, but flooding is not expected.

Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, Trent Hills, City of Peterborough, and City of Kawartha Lakes, Indigenous communities, local water managers, emergency managers and individual landowners should monitor conditions and make appropriate preparations.

Weather: Total local rainfall amounts of 30 to 45mm are predicted over the next 24 hours. Showers are expected today Tuesday, September 24th and are expected to become heavy at times with the risk of thunderstorms through this evening and overnight into Wednesday, September 25th as the unstable air mass moves through southern Ontario.

Flood Risk:  As a result of recent rainfall events, the watershed has received 30mm of rain creating wet ground conditions. The forecasted rainfall will create ponding in low lying areas, roadways, and higher than normal water levels and flows in all local watercourses. However, no flooding is expected. 

Municipalities, Indigenous communities, local water managers, emergency services and individual landowners are advised that slippery stream banks high flows and increased water levels can create dangerous conditions.  Area residents, visitors and recreational water users are urged to be cautious near all watercourses.   

Please continue to monitor conditions, including weather alerts and weather radar for the specific location and severity of rainfall. Water levels can be monitored at Trent-Severn Waterway, Water Survey of Canada and Otonabee Conservation websites.

This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT-WATER SAFETY is effective immediately and will remain in effect until Thursday, September 26th, 2024, at 3 pm., unless updated earlier.

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Neil MacFarlane| Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 231
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com | Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228

The Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228 will be discontinued on November 1, 2024. To receive flood messages directly, please subscribe on our website.