Flood Watch Issued for Mississippi Valley Watershed – March 27, 2025

From the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

A Flood Watch Statement indicates that flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.

Weather forecast: Forecasts are predicting a spring storm that will stretch late Friday into Monday, bringing a mix of weather conditions. Precipitation is expected to range from 5 to 15 mm, with amounts potentially exceeding 20 mm in some areas. Significant ice accretion is expected from freezing rain including possible snow and ice pellet accumulations of 5 to 15 cm.

Watershed conditions: Water levels and flows are currently high across the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) jurisdiction as a result of water bodies responding to the runoff from snowmelt caused by recent rainfall events and warmer temperatures.

Risks: Rivers have stabilized over the last week but are expected to increase again due to the continuing weather conditions. Springtime levels and flows are expected to continue into next week. While widespread flooding is not anticipated, flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage is possible. Rivers and streams remain high with fast flowing water. Ice cover areas, where they exist, are expected to weaken, and break up, creating a risk of ice jamming.

Actions: Residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve.
• Having a portable generator and backup pump available.
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from any structure.
• Removing or securing items that might float away if flows increase.
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy.
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan.

Duration: This message is in effect until 12 pm April 3, 2025 or until an update has been issued.

For more information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels.