Lots of rain coming. Look out for flooding

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY

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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) - Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect in the District.

Residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District should keep a close watch on water conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams.

MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Temperatures will be above seasonal for the weekend and into early next week.

There is precipitation forecasted for Sunday evening into Monday morning that may bring 10-20mm of rain.

There is also a chance for thunderstorm activity associated with this system that could bring additional precipitation in areas where thunderstorms develop.

Description of Current Conditions

The recent warmer temperatures have increased water levels and flows in some of the Districts watersheds as the remaining snow pack continues to melt.

This upward trend is expected to continue over the next several days due to the above seasonal temperatures and forecasted precipitation.

A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before): Tuesday, May 5 2015, 12 a.m.

TERMINOLOGY: Notification Levels

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

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.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.
Environment Canada bulletins can be found at weather.gc.ca/
The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found at www.ontario.ca/flooding

Tweet your reports of flooding with the hashtag #ONFlood.