A flood outlook has been issued for the lower Ottawa River and a water safety statement has been issued for the Pembroke District.
Hydro One is warning customers to prepare for potential power outages and the risk of flooding this spring. Hydro One crews are preparing to respond to possible power outages caused by heavy rain and high winds across southern, central and eastern Ontario.
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee indicates that with the current weather forecast, flooding in low-lying areas is not expected to occur over the next few days. Levels are currently expected to remain below flood thresholds. While it is not possible to completely rule out the occurrence of a large spring freshet, the factors that are known at this time, namely below average snow water content in all locations and an early spring start, are positive indicators of a year without excessive flooding along the Ottawa River.
With the changing weather conditions and spring temperatures, Hydro One is also reminding customers to prepare for the potential risk of localized flooding and urging customers to prepare for power outages by restocking their emergency kits.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a Water Safety statement for the Pembroke District that will remain in effect until Thursday, April 1st.
Residents in Renfrew County should be aware that ice on area lakes is becoming unsafe and water levels and flows in rivers are increasing due to the warmer temperatures, precipitation and snow melt. Be careful near lakes and rivers and keep an eye on children and pets at all times to ensure everyone is safe.
Temperatures recently have been unseasonably warm and are forecast to stay above freezing both during the day and at night until the end of the week, changing over to more seasonal temperatures of above zero during the day and below zero at night by the weekend. Over the next 5 days varying amounts of rain are forecast each day with the majority expected on Friday.Warmer than normal temperatures throughout the month of March brought an early start to spring and as a result most of the snow is gone from open areas around the County and areas that do still have snow are melting quickly.
Due to the extended melt and very little precipitation recently, area lakes and rivers are at average levels and flood thresholds are not expected to be reached at this time based on current forecasts. The ice is thinning on large lakes throughout the County and rivers and streams are opening as the ice melts. As the ice on lakes and rivers melts, it can be expected that water levels will respond accordingly.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
Visit Hydro One’s website for more tips to protect your home from flooding this season.
