Rainfall Warning Leads to CRCA ‘Water Safety’ Statement

Published on: 2018/12/20 - in Releases

rain on water

RELEASE — The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety today.

Rainfall amounts of 30 – 50 mm are forecasted for Thursday night and Friday across the region, with Kingston and areas to the north expected to receive as much as 45 – 50 mm. Brockville is forecasted to receive 30 – 35 mm.

Environment Canada has issued Rainfall Warnings across southeastern Ontario anticipating that rain will be heavy at times. As a result, it is expected that lake levels and outflows will increase as well as water levels and flows in area watercourses.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, nuisance flooding of localized low-lying areas may occur. Urban areas may experience ponding on roadways and in areas where drainage infrastructure is overwhelmed. Catchbasins and storm drains should be cleared to reduce urban ponding.

Water managers continue to conduct operations to minimize the effects of this rainfall and pass flows down through the systems.

The rising water levels and warmer temperatures are expected to result in weaker ice conditions on area lakes. CRCA staff is urging residents to stay away from fast flowing watercourses, as well as any dams and outflow channels and to exercise caution around lakes, creeks and stay off the ice. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.

CRCA does not measure ice thickness for advising the public about ice conditions for recreational activities. Ice conditions can vary considerably from one waterbody to the next and within a single waterbody.

CRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and will update statements as needed. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until Monday, December 24, 2018.

For up to date flooding information, please visit the CRCA’s flood forecasting and information page at www.crca.ca/flood.


See below for watershed conditions terminology:

Normal: No flood conditions exist
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: 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 watercourse 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 take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.


Photo: Rubberdragon on Flickr (cc)
Release source: CRCA.ca