Flood Warning in Place for Maitland and Nine Mile River Watersheds

The past 24 hours has brought approximately 40 millimetres (mm) of rain to the Lucknow area and 30 to 35 mm to the rest of the Nine Mile and Maitland River watersheds. This rain, combined with a rapidly melting snow pack, is resulting in fast rising levels in area streams and rivers. As a result, the Flood Watch issued by Maitland Conservation on Feb. 19th is being upgraded to a Flood Warning.

Although much of the snow pack is now depleted, an additional 25 mm of rain is in the forecast for overnight. The ground remains frozen in many areas so this rain is expected to runoff quickly. Levels in streams and rivers will continue to rise overnight and into Wednesday.

It is expected that peak river levels will be slightly below those seen in December 2008, although this will be dependent on the actual rainfall that occurs overnight. Maitland Conservation staff will be carefully monitoring conditions over the next 24 hours.

Some ice jamming is being reported in the Auburn area. It is expected that this ice will be eroded as river flows increase.

The public is reminded to stay away from all watercourses and never attempt to drive through flooded areas. Fast flows and extremely cold water temperatures will make all watercourses extremely dangerous.

This message will remain in effect until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. An update will be provided on Wednesday afternoon based on recorded rainfall amounts.

 Media Contact:
Jayne Thompson Communications Coordinator
jthompson@mvca.on.ca
519-335-3557 ext. 226 Cell: 519-357-6670

Flood Duty Officer:
Steve Jackson, Flood and Erosion Safety Services Coordinator
519-357-0890