To: Watershed News Media
Date: March 29, 2008
Kingston - With current snow conditions and the forecast of rainfall and warm temperatures in the upcoming week, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) is issuing a Flood Advisory for its jurisdiction for Tuesday and Wednesday March 31 and April 1, 2008.
Environment Canada is forecasting a total of up to 30 mm of rain Monday and Tuesday with temperatures rising to between 8C and 12C on Tuesday.
The snowpack, at a near-record for this region for March, has melted somewhat over the past few weeks, increasing stream levels. The remaining snow has ripened and will melt rapidly under forecast conditions. Should conditions develop as forecast, flooding from area creeks and rivers is anticipated beginning between Tuesday night and late Wednesday. The quickest to respond are urban creeks, where flooding may begin late Tuesday. Rural creeks typically respond more slowly and are forecast to peak Wednesday night. In-land lake levels will also rise, potentially causing flooding along those shorelines.
The longer-term forecast indicates the possibility of rain returning on Friday, April 4. With creeks already high and some snow remaining, the potential for continued or reoccurring flooding exists throughout the region.
Residents in low-lying or floodprone areas and those responsible for flood response are advised to prepare for potential flooding conditions. Preparations are site-specific, but may include ensuring that sump pumps are working, that sandbags are on-hand, and/or that items in floodprone areas are removed or secured.
Residents are advised to stay away from water bodies, including streams, storm water ponds, reservoirs and lakes. Water depth and flow rates may be higher than are visible from the surface, particularly as flood conditions develop, and the ice is unsafe.
The CRCA jurisdiction extends from Napanee to Brockville and north almost to Westport. Those areas in the eastern and northern portions of the jurisdiction have greater snow depth and more water content than those areas in the west, but flood conditions may occur throughout the jurisdiction.
Further updates to this Flood Advisory will be issued as required, based on weather forecasts and watershed conditions. Should it be determined that flood conditions are imminent, a Flood Warning will be issued, which may trigger municipal flood emergency plans.
For more information call:
Mara Shaw, Watershed Management Coordinator (613) 546-4228 ext. 228
Toll-free (in 613): 1-877-956-2722 ext. 228