Riverine Flood Watch (Flood Message #1)

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Riverine Flood Watch for all areas within its watershed.

A Texas Low Pressure system is forecast to travel across Southern Ontario Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing above-freezing temperatures and rainfall. Depending on the path and strength of the weather system, areas of the Long Point Region watershed may see 15 – 20 mm of rain.

Melting of the existing snow pack in combination with the forecasted rains is expected to increase runoff. An estimated 15 mm of snow water equivalent remains on the ground. River systems have yet to recover fully from last week’s rainfall event and ice cover that was weakened or moved last week may now break up or jam.

Local watercourses may be overwhelmed, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Members of the public are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Ice conditions on watercourses, ponds and reservoirs are expected to deteriorate and should be considered unsafe. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

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

Water levels are expected to remain high for several days. Therefore, this Flood Watch is in effect through Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.

Contact David Proracki, 519-842-4242 ext. 264, should further information be required.