Lower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that a Flood Watch Statement has been issued for the local creeks within the Lower Trent Watershed region (area stretching from Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake and east to Centre Hastings).
LTC officials say high water levels, unsafe banks or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users and waterfront landowners and nuisance or minor flooding of low-lying areas, roads, backyards, basements etc., may occur.
The local creek systems have received significant sustained precipitation over the previous week, causing widespread elevated stream flows.
The current forecast suggests the Lower Trent watershed may receive 15-30 millimeters of rain over the course of the next five days, with the potential for thunderstorms to further increase the total precipitation in localized areas.
The elevated stream flows, as well as the saturated ground conditions in many areas may lead to increased runoff into local streams, further increasing the stream flows over this time.
Because of these increasing flows and potential for water levels to continue to rise, a Flood Watch for the local creeks is now being issued.
Municipalities and the public should be aware that localized inundation is possible in urban areas where storm drains may not be able to handle the rainfall. High water levels could cause flooding of driveways, access roads or buildings located in low-lying areas.
Residents should ensure their sump pumps are working and secure personal property (boats, docks, etc.) along riverbanks. While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never cease to exist, they are of particular concern during these conditions.
Water currents could be strong and temperatures are cold. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Additionally, areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
This Flood Watch Statement for the local creeks will be in effect until Friday, April 24 at 4 p.m.
