MVCA Terminates Flood Warning, Flood Watch Remains in Effect – April 11, 2025

From 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.

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is terminating the Flood Warning issued April 5, 2025. A Flood Watch remains in effect.

Watershed conditions: Water levels and flows throughout the Mississippi Valley watershed have peaked and are currently stable or gradually declining following the recent precipitation events and snow melt.  

Risks: Based on current weather forecasts, no further increases in water levels or flows are anticipated at this time and residents should see flows noticeably decline by next week. However, flows and levels are expected to remain higher than normal for the next few weeks as water continues to move out of the system. With storage capacity now reached within the upper lakes, any additional precipitation may exceed thresholds and cause levels and flows to rise again.

Actions: Residents are reminded to stay clear of all water bodies due to high flows. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

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 meters 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 noon on April 30, 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.