Localized flooding expected

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE MARIE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

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The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to issue a statement to residents in regard to current watershed conditions.

There is a weather system tracking across northern Ontario which has the potential to bring precipitation amounts of an additional 50 - 70 mm.

The system was originally tracked to move north of our watershed but has changed course and is expected to bring further heavy rains to Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township.

We have received 35 mm of precipitation thus far.

The rainfall is anticipated to continue overnight and into Wednesday.

Ground conditions are currently saturated and these rains will result in increased runoff.

The local streams and rivers in our watersheds are currently flowing at seasonal levels and have the capacity to accept much of the precipitation and runoff from the anticipated rainfall amounts.

If the anticipated amount of precipitation occurs there will be localized flooding in areas of poor drainage.

The areas of poor drainage include areas of the City of Sault Ste. Marie where catch basins may be blocked.

The amount of runoff anticipated from this rain event is expected to raise water levels significantly in the short term and rivers and streams have the potential to reach flood criteria.

The flood control channels owned and maintained by the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority are currently flowing well.

The flood control channels will experience a rise in water levels.

It is important to remember that the water in rivers, streams and the channels will be fast flowing during and after the rainfall event.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority will continue to closely monitor stream flows across the watershed.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to extend a warning to residents and visitors to use extreme caution when close to rivers, creeks and channels.

Potential increases in water levels and flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery.

Please keep children and pets away from fast flowing rivers and streams.

This bulletin will be updated if conditions warrant.

This statement is in effect until Wednesday October 15, 2014.

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