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April 5, 2023 MISSISSIPPI AND CARP RIVER WATERSHEDS—Significant precipitation amounts between 40-60mm are forecasted for today; along with continued snow melt this will cause a significant increase in levels and flows throughout the Mississippi and Carp river watersheds over the next few days. We do not anticipate any significant flooding at this time. However, residents in low lying areas that are historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.
The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is very slippery and poses a serious hazard. Falling into open water could result in hypothermia or drowning. Ice conditions on lakes and rivers are deteriorating. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice-covered waterways.
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies:
- The public and pets should stay off all frozen water bodies.
- Parents are urged to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces and open water.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:
- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
- Portable backup generator and pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
- Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy
- Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan
This Watershed Conditions Statement is in effect until the end of the day on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 and will be updated at that time unless the forecasts change.
Please visit the MVCA’s website for more information on:
- Water levels and flow data: mvc.on.ca/water-levels
- Watershed Conditions Messages: mvc.on.ca/watershed-conditions-message.
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Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resources Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
www.mvc.on.ca
Newsrooms please note:
A Watershed Conditions Statement is NOT a flood warning. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about a change or potential change in watershed conditions.
See below for watershed conditions terminology:
Watershed Conditions Statement: general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:
- Water Safety Statement: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook Statement: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should act to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
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