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Weekend flood risk high: MNR

NEWS RELEASE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES ************************* The Ministry of Natural Resources – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect for the district.

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect for the district.

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

Residents within the district are advised that the risk of flooding is high throughout the district 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 have 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 much of the district.

Description of current conditions

The snowpack within many watersheds still remains high.

A melting trend will likely

continue due to warmer daytime temperatures. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

Expiry date:

This message will expire on Monday, May 05 2014, 12:00 AM

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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(PHOTO: The Goulais River is pictured in this April file photo. SooToday.com/Kenneth Armstrong)

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