Conservation Authority issues flood outlook

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

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Watershed Condition Statement – Flood Outlook Issued September 6, 2016 at 9 a.m. 

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

The weather forecast for today indicates the storm system moving through the area has rainfall with imbedded thunderstorms.

The general precipitation amounts expected in Sault Ste. Marie and area in the next 24 hours are 10-15 mm.

There is the potential of an additional 30-50 mm possible in localized thunderstorm activity.

Heavier precipitation activity is anticipated to continue north of Sault Ste. Marie.

There has been little precipitation in the area over the last few months and current streamflow conditions are seasonally low.

Ground conditions are favourable to allow infiltration of precipitation.

Runoff in to local streams and rivers will occur and increase water levels and flows.

The localized thunderstorms expected may have the capacity to overwhelm areas of poor drainage and cause localized flooding.

The forecast for the following 24-hour period indicates another 10-15 mm of rainfall with the potential of thunderstorms.

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

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority will be closely monitoring 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 statement will be updated on Wednesday September 7, 2016.

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