Flood Warning - April 28th, 2023

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has released a Flood Warning for the Pembroke District. This warning is in effect until Friday, May 5, 2023 unless further information is provided by the Ministry. 

Access the Flood Warning Notice

Flood Warning Pembroke District   

Friday, April 28, 2023 - 12:00 pm

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect for the Ottawa River until Friday, May 05, 2023.

Residents along the main stem of the Ottawa River, for the area of Lac Coulonge (near Westmeath) and downstream to Arnprior should Consider the following:

A rain event is expected to bring 55 to 65 mm of precipitation over the next few days, it is anticipated that the area will return to and maintain the thresholds for major flood levels along the Ottawa River at Lake Coulonge, and areas downstream (Chats Lake, and Lake Deschenes).

Levels are expected to raise above the threshold for minor flood levels in the Pembroke area.

The maximum levels to be reached this week are expected to be well below the historical high of 2019.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Technical Information

Description of Weather System

A big, complex, and slow-moving low-pressure system is forecast to enter Ontario late Friday- early Saturday and stay over the province until Monday, producing substantial amounts of rain all three days.

While the dry weather will continue for the eastern part of southern and northeastern Ontario tomorrow, Friday, Apr 28th, light showers, 5 to 10 mm are forecast for areas west of Lake Simcoe and north of the shorelines of Lakes Huron and Superior.

The low-pressure system will move into the province over the north end of Lake Huron, yielding 15-20 mm of rain on Saturday, April 29th, and up to 25-30 mm on both Sunday and Monday, April 30th, and May 1st. The total accumulation rainfall for the event can reach 55-60 mm throughout the areas covered by this Flood Warning.

Description of Current Conditions

Water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River will increase in all locations due to the high amounts of rain on top of an already full system. Levels are expected to return to flood levels in all areas highlighted along the river from Lake Coulonge down to the Arnprior area early next week.

MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Definitions

• 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
• Shoreline Conditions Statement - Water Safety: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected. 
• Shoreline Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information. 
• Flood Watch: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• Flood Warning: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Learn More

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage: www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca 
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.

Contact

Kelly Danby

Pembroke District Office

613-504-2282

ontario.ca/mnrf