Flood Warning - May 2, 2025

Flood Warning - Pembroke District
Ottawa River

Friday, May 2, 2025, 4:00 pm - The Ministry of Natural Resources – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for areas along the Ottawa River until Friday, May 09, 2025 (if not updated/replaced).

Recent rainfall combined with warmer temperatures has melted most of the remaining snow locally. Remnants of the snowpack through the northern portion of the Ottawa river watershed are expected to continue to melt sustaining elevated levels and flows. This combined effect is causing the water levels and flows of the Ottawa River to rise.

Residents along the main stem of the Ottawa River and upstream of the confluence of any tributaries should Consider the following:
Accounting for the combined effect of the rapid snowmelt and the forecasted rain event, minor flooding thresholds have been exceeded along the main stem of the Ottawa River from Timiskaming to Britannia. Major flooding thresholds are not anticipated to be exceeded at this time however a close watch on the weather forecast is recommended as conditions can change rapidly. Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should take necessary precautions 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
Weather forecast for the next 5 days suggest a total accumulation of 15mm. Temperatures are expected to remain seasonal with highs in the mid teens. Winds are expected to be mild over the next 2 days.

Description of Current Conditions
The MNR continues to closely monitor local lakes, rivers and weather conditions.

Levels and flows are expected to increase due to forecasted precipitation events and spring runoff from the central and northern parts of the Ottawa River basin. Levels are expected to rise over the next few days in all locations.

Flooding in low-lying areas is expected, and those areas currently experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect these conditions to continue. A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements, and warnings is recommended.

The watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety for the remainder of Renfrew County Will be extended until Friday May 9, 2025.

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