Flood Watch: City of Kawartha Lakes

Feb 212018

Flood Watch

For road closures and other flood updates, please visit our Newsroom.

Heavy precipitation, combined with snowmelt and frozen ground conditions are resulting in significant runoff. Water levels in local rivers and streams are currently rapidly increasing and are expected to exceed their bankfull conditions in multiple locations. Smaller steams are responding faster, while it takes longer for larger watercourses to react.

Flooding in low lying areas, areas adjacent to streams and road ditches is anticipated. Roads overtopping have been reported in several locations. Ponding of water on urban surfaces may occur as storm sewer systems can become overwhelmed by high runoff or clogged with snow, ice and debris. Rapid deterioration of the ice cover on local rivers and streams has been observed.

Under these watershed conditions all local watercourses should be considered extremely dangerous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover where it exists is unstable and hazardous. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.

Trent-Severn Waterway officials are closely watching this current situation and will be adjusting dam settings throughout the system when the situation warrants. Staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are monitoring water levels of the Burnt and Gull rivers.

This Flood Watch will be in effect until Friday February 23, 2018.

Read this news update on our website

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