Flood Warning - April 20th, 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, April 28, 2023 unless further information is provided by the Ministry. 

Access the Flood Warning Notice

Flood Warning Pembroke District   

Thursday, April 20, 2023 2:00 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, April 28, 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:

Record high temperatures caused the heavy snowpack to melt very rapidly in the uncontrolled tributaries of the Ottawa River.  A rain event is expected to bring 20 to 30 mm of precipitation over the next few days, it is anticipated that the area will exceed 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 reach 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

An approaching slow moving low-pressure system from the southwest US will move to the west of Lake Michigan on Thursday bringing with it a mix of rain and snow. By Friday we expect widespread rain with embedded showers for the Northeast and the Southern Regions. Both the low-pressure systems will move into the Southern Region on Saturday bringing a mix of rain/snow areas east of Wawa and into the Southern Region with a chance of embedded showers. The Southern Region will see temperatures climb to above normal on Friday, then drop to below seasonal after the passage of the system on Sunday.

On Friday, rainfall in the range of 10 to 15 mm is possible for areas to the east of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, and southwards with less than 10 mm forecast for northeast.

On Saturday, areas to the east of Georgian Bay and further southeast will likely see 10 to 15 mm widespread rainfall.

Clearing conditions should be seen on Sunday as the system moves out of the province. 

Description of Current Conditions

Water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River are increasing in all locations due to the rapid melt of the snowpack in the central and southern parts of the basin. Levels are expected to reach flood levels in all areas along the river from Lake Coulonge down to the Montreal area. 

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