Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (Event Message #1)

Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for all areas within its watersheds.

Current rain forecasts are calling for 50 to 95mm of rain over Friday and Saturday with the bulk of it falling this Saturday. The Western watersheds (which includes Norwich. Tillsonburg, Bayham, and Delhi) are expecting 60 to 95mm over 48 hours while the Central/Eastern watersheds (Simcoe, Waterford, Port Dover, Haldimand) are expecting 50 to 65mm over 48 hours. It is expected that rain and above zero temperatures will melt the existing snowpack by Friday.

The forecasted conditions will lead to watercourses rising throughout the LPRCA with the potential to flood low lying areas if the higher range of rainfall occurs.

People are warned to stay away from ditches, frozen water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all of these areas.

Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catchbasins are free from debris and functioning properly.

Water levels are expected to remain elevated for several days in response to this event. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.

This Flood Outlook is in effect until 12:00 PM, Monday, January 13, 2020.

Contact Craig Jacques at (519) 842-4242 x265 or by cell at 519-429-2738. should further information be required.