Flood warning issued for Goulais River area

NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY
********************

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Sault Ste. Marie district, is advising area residents that a flood warning 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.

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

Daytime temperatures will remain seasonal for Sunday and Monday at 12 degrees Celsius and continue to melt the remaining snow pack. Rain is forecast to commence on Monday and will continue through the coming week. This rain is expected to bring an additional 20-25 mm of water into area water systems with 10-15 mm on Monday alone.

The recent warmer temperatures have increased water levels and flows in some of the district’s watersheds as the remaining snow pack continues to melt. A marked increase in water levels through the region has occurred over the last three days with sunny and warm daytime temperatures in the double digits.

Residents within the Goulais River watershed are advised that some areas within the flood plain are approaching flood critical levels. Flooding is possible or already occurring in some low-lying areas.

Other residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District are advised that low-lying areas may also be near flood critical levels. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

********************