The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – North Bay District, is advising area residents in the Lake Temagami area, that a Flood Watch is in effect for the area until Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Residents in the Temagami area should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around shorelines and low-lying areas. Please alert and monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities.

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

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Rain is expected to taper off today with approximately 5mm falling Friday (today) with minimal amounts forecast over the weekend before clearing Sunday into Monday.

Description of Current Conditions

Late last week and over the weekend a strong low-pressure system brought significant rainfall to the area. This system has been followed by lighter but continued rain this week. Last week’s rain event combined with dormant vegetation and saturated soils resulted in seasonal water levels increasing significantly.

Structures such as homes, boat houses and docks could be at risk of flooding if located near lake/river level. Residents in these areas are encouraged to monitor conditions and prepare accordingly.

Municipalities, residents and visitors, especially those in low-lying areas and along shorelines, are encouraged to monitor conditions and prepare accordingly. Shorelines and banks adjacent to waterbodies are very slippery and unstable at this time and when combined with cold, fast flowing water, pose a serious hazard.

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