Supplied by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry…
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect in the District.
Residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District should keep a close watch on water conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams.
MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Rain is forecast to continue into Thursday and Friday. This rain is expected to bring an additional 15mm water into area water systems. The temperature will remain seasonal and continue to melt the remaining snow pack.
Description of Current Conditions
The recent warmer temperatures have increased water levels and flows in some of the District’s watersheds as the remaining snow pack continues to melt. A sharp increase in water levels occurred over night as rain moved through the region. Residents within the Goulais River Watershed are advised that some areas within the flood plain are at flood critical levels. Other residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District are advised that low lying areas are now near flood critical levels. Flooding is possible or occurring in some low lying areas. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.
EXPIRY DATE
This message will be in effect until (or updated before): Monday, May 07 2018, 12:00 AM
TERMINOLOGY: Notification Levels
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
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.
FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.
Environment Canada bulletins can be found at weather.gc.ca/
The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found at www.ontario.ca/flooding
Tweet your reports of flooding with the hashtag #ONFlood.