Lakehead Region Conservation Authority issues flood watch warning

Thunder Bay - The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning for its watershed, including the City of Thunder Bay.

In a press release issued Friday afternoon, the authority said the measure also applies to the municipalities of Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge and Shuniah, as well as the townships of O'Connor, Comnee, Gillies and Dorion. Flood warnings are issued when conditions exist that could lead to flooding.

LRCA Chief Administrative Officer Tammy Cook said rainfall and warmer temperatures, combined with the ground still being frozen, mean more runoff because the ground cannot adequately absorb water. A special weather statement from Environment Canada on Friday saidrainfall amounts of 10 to 20 mm are expected, with locally higher amounts possible due to thunderstorms.

Snow surveys conducted by the LRCA show snowpack is slightly below average, with depths ranging from 23 to 46 cm. The agency says this equates to 80 to 101 mm of water.

Cook said the Neebing-McIntyre floodway is still frozen, meaning any diversion measures will not help.

She said, "We are just being proactive and issuing a flood warning for the weekend to make people aware of the potential for high water and rising water levels in waterways in the area over the weekend."

She added that low-lying areas, frozen ditches and ice-covered waterways are the most likely to be severely affected.

Cook added, "We don't expect widespread flooding, but low-lying areas will certainly see the worst of it during the warm weather over the weekend."

The flood warning will be in effect until Monday, March 17 at 10 a.m.

The LRCA's press release also advises residents to monitor local weather forecasts and use caution in and around waterways in the area, as high water flows and slippery banks can be dangerous.

Cook said, "Parents should be aware of this and discuss the dangers of unstable ice and fast-moving cold water with their children, and keep them away from these unsafe areas over the weekend."

Source:  https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/flood-watch-issued-by-lakehead-region-conservation-authority-10375619