Blind River system flood warning issued

FLOOD WARNING BLIND RIVER SYSTEM ************************* The Ministry of Natural Resources – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the Blind River system.

FLOOD WARNING

BLIND RIVER SYSTEM

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The Ministry of Natural Resources – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the Blind River system.

Residents along the Blind River system should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams.

Residents within the Blind River system are advised that the risk of flooding is High and that some low lying areas are already experiencing flood conditions.

MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Technical information

Description of Weather System

Over the last three days the areas east of Sault Ste. Marie received 50-80mm of rain.

This compiled with snow melt has led to extremely high water levels in area streams and rivers. Forecasted precipitation for the weekend is less than 10mm; however the full impact of the rainfall may not yet be realized as water makes its way through the watershed.

Daytime high temperatures will be between 5 to 10 degrees for the area.

Description of Current Conditions

Where snow remains, melting snow will continue to increase stream flows.

Several streams in the District have reached flood critical or are approaching critical levels and flows.

This trend will likely continue due to warm temperatures through the day in the next five days.

A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

Expiry Date:

This message will expire on Monday, May 05 2014, 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 http://weather.gc.ca/ The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding

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