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The post Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District MNR Flood Warning And Flood Outlook appeared first on Muskoka411.

This bulletin will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound, District
of Muskoka within the Severn River Watershed.

Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed
conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area
and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check
for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as
lake/river levels start to rise in response to significant precipitation. Residents and visitors
should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of
children and pets.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Weather forecasts suggest that the area may receive 15 to 20mm of rain over the next 7
days. This additional precipitation is anticipated to have minimal impact on flows as
weather events are spread out over the next week and no additional significant precipitation
is forecasted at this time.

Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels and river flows remain high within the Severn River watershed from
recent precipitation and runoff. River flows and lake levels have improved but are
anticipated to remain high over the next week as additional precipitation is received on the
landscape.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

—–

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the French River and Lower
Pickerel River Watersheds. This message will remain in effect until Friday May 10, 2024.
This bulletin will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the unorganized Townships of Mowat, Blair, and McConkey.

Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed
conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area
and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check
for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as
lake/river levels start to rise in response to significant precipitation. Residents and visitors
should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of
children and pets.

MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities
as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts, and may
become impassible due to localized flooding.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System
Weather forecasts suggest that the area may receive 15 to 20mm of rain over the next 7
days. This additional precipitation is anticipated to have minimal impact on flows as
weather events are spread out over the next week and no additional significant precipitation
is forecasted at this time.

Description of Current Conditions
Water levels and river flows within the French and Lower Pickerel Rivers have remained
high over the past week in response to previous precipitation events and the high water
levels of Lake Nipissing. River flows are anticipated to remain stable, but high as additional
precipitation is received.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate

The post Flood Outlook And Warning Continues For Several Areas appeared first on Muskoka411.

This bulletin will impact residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound
District for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and City of Kawartha Lakes within the Black, Burnt, Gull, Severn, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River Watersheds.

Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed
conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area
and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check
for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as
lake/river levels start to rise in response to significant precipitation. Residents and visitors
should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of
children and pets.

MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities
as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts, and may
become impassible due to localized flooding.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Second Bulletin:

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the French River and Lower
Pickerel River Watersheds. This message will remain in effect until Friday May 3, 2024.
This bulletin will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the unorganized Townships of Mowat, Blair, and McConkey.

Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed
conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area
and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check
for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as
lake/river levels start to rise in response to significant precipitation. Residents and visitors
should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of
children and pets.

MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities
as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts, and may
become impassible due to localized flooding.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The post MNRF Issues Flood Watches And Warnings until Friday May 3, 2024 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Township continues to advocate on behalf of residents to the MNRF for proactive dam and water level management.

Water levels have receded slightly from their peak. However, with more rain in the forecast, the Township would remind residents and visitors to remain vigilant and heed the following precautions.

Keep in mind that saturated areas adjacent to still and moving water can be unstable and/or slippery especially during the spring. The public is asked to stay back from riverbanks and flowing water and watch children and pets around these areas.

For those who choose to navigate waterways, please be mindful of your speed to avoid unnecessary erosion of the adjacent shorelines and stay on the lookout for floating debris in the waterway.

Items close to the water’s edge and in the lower levels of boat houses should be secured to prevent damage. It is further recommended that you disconnect boathouses from the electrical supply and weigh down docks that may be susceptible to floating away.

Properties in flood prone areas using a well for potable water should assume the water is not safe to drink. Property owners are responsible for monitoring their own wells.  Please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for more information on private water during and after a flood.

Any concerns about water levels, should be directed to the Ministry of Natural Resource and Forestry’s Water Management Team at 705-645-8747 or email watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca.

For further background information on the relationship of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan to the lakes and rivers within the Township visit www.muskokalakes.ca.

The post Township Of Muskoka Lakes Provides Water Levels Update appeared first on Muskoka411.

Commissioned by FIRST ONSITE, the Weather and Property Survey explores Canada’s top disaster fears (including climate change, spring flooding, wildfires, landslides, etc.) It also asks about threats and concerns for property during severe weather events.

“We conduct this survey every year to get a benchmark of Canadian attitudes, weather worries, and concerns that business and homeowners have for their properties,” said Jim Mandeville, SVP, First Onsite Property Restoration. “People are aware that storms aren’t acting like they used to, and we are seeing an increase in all types of property damage from weather events.”

Climate change concerns
Three quarters of respondents (73%) are worried about climate change and its effects on extreme weather and disasters. This concern was highest in Quebec (79%), British Columbia (77%) and Ontario (75%) and the lowest in Atlantic Canada (67%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (66%) and Alberta (60%).

Wildfires and smoke
Not surprisingly, regional wildfire concerns were highest in British Columbia (82%) and Alberta (76%). Both provinces also led the way in terms of wildfire smoke fears. Also included in the smoky mix, Quebec (66%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (66%), Ontario (60%) and Atlantic Canada (50%) expressed concerns over wildfire smoke.

Canada’s emergency preparedness minister recently warned that this year’s wildfire season will be worse than last year’s record-breaking season. In 2023, Canadian fires burned 185,000 square kilometres; that is more than double the previous record set in 1989 of 75,596 square kilometres, according to the National Forestry Database. Wildfire smoke blanketed North American cities all summer, making worldwide news as well.

Spring rains and flooding
Six-in-10 Canadians expressed fears of severe rains and flooding (60%), with British Columbia (67%) and Quebec (66%) leading the way. This makes sense considering B.C.’s history of severe flooding events, including the Pacific Northwest Floods of November 2021 and Québec’s record wet July of 2023. Flooding concern was next highest in Ontario (60%) and Atlantic Canada (59%) and lowest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (47%) and Alberta (43%).

See the table below for results of Canada’s top disaster and severe weather fears.

Property threats
Drilling down, the survey also asked people what they felt were the top threats to their property during disasters or severe weather events. Six-in-10 Canadians responded, “I am concerned about the risk of mould after a flooding event.” Meanwhile, eight-in-10 Canadians (79%) were worried about personal or family safety during weather-related disasters, a number that was high across the board in all provinces.

People were also anxious about the cost of major renovations (72%), their level of preparedness in the event of a disaster (64%) and whether their insurance is at the right level (60%).

See table below for Canadians’ top threats to property during severe weather events.

“The increased occurrence and intensity of catastrophic weather events is a constant driver for homeowners, businesses and communities to be more resilient and better prepared for potential threats,” said Mandeville. “With the right planning and resources in place, businesses and residents can be better prepared to respond to property emergencies.”

First Onsite has been on the frontlines of high-risk situations due to climate change, natural disasters, and weather-related events. The company is ready 24/7, 365 days per year to help Canadian residents and businesses protect their properties.

First Onsite also offers free commercial and residential preparedness guides including wildfire preparedness tips and spring flooding damage tips. Visit their website for more information at www.firstonsite.ca.

The post First Onsite Survey Explores Climate, Spring Melt, Flooding, Wildfires And Threats To Properties appeared first on Muskoka411.

Water levels and river flows remain higher than normal for this time of year.

Boaters are advised to be cautious if traveling on local waterways. Boat traffic during high water conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.

The banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may still be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels as anticipated to remain high for the next several days.

MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to

rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Runoff from significant rainfall that the area received on April 28 through May 2, 2023, has decreased over the past several days.

Weather forecasts call for seasonal to above seasonal temperatures with minimal rainfall over the next 14-days.

Description of Current Conditions

Lake water levels are generally at the higher end of their normal ranges for this time of year. Water levels are expected to decline where they are high or remain stable where they are normal over the next several days.

The watersheds are cascading systems – each waterbody feeds into the next downstream. Runoff from rain and snowmelt cascades and compounds through the entire system affecting water levels in each waterbody. It will take a number of days for the remaining high flows to work its way through the entire systems. Downstream water bodies may experience a delay in the full impact of the upstream inputs.

MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The post Boaters Advised To Exercise Caution On Waterways appeared first on Muskoka411.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System
Runoff from significant rainfall that the area received on April 28 through May 2, 2023, has decreased over the past several days.
Weather forecasts call for seasonal to above seasonal temperatures with minimal rainfall over the next 14–days.

Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels are generally within their normal ranges with the exception of a few locations within the Muskoka River watershed where water levels remain higher than normal for this time of year. Where water levels are currently higher than normal it is anticipated they will decline over the next several days.

The watersheds are cascading systems – each waterbody feeds into the next downstream.

Runoff from rain and snowmelt cascades and compounds through the entire system affecting water levels in each waterbody. It will take a number of days for the remaining high flows to work its way through the entire systems. Downstream water bodies may
experience a delay in the full impact of the upstream inputs.

MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.

• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

The post Water Levels And River Flows Remain Higher Than Normal This Time Of Year appeared first on Muskoka411.

“We are monitoring rising water levels across the communities we serve and are ready to support our customers so they can stay safe and protect their homes,” said Teri French, Executive Vice President, Operations and Customer Experience, Hydro One. “We care deeply about our communities and recognize the devastating affect flooding can have on our lives. We will always be there for our customers during challenging times.”

Hydro One encourages residents to keep water away from their home by removing debris from gutters, eavestroughs and downspouts. Residents should also inspect the foundation of their home for any cracks that may need to be repaired. If you have a sump pump, maintain it regularly so it’s ready if you need it and consider a backup power source, such as a battery or generator.

If flooding occurs at home and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, residents should call their electricity utility to have power safely turned off. Residents should not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.

It is critical to ensure you and your family are prepared in case of an emergency or extended power outage. Your emergency kit should include enough food and water for all family members, a first aid kit and any necessary medical items, emergency numbers, blankets, cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights along with extra batteries.

Hydro One customers are asked to call its customer care team at 1-800-434-1235 who can help them through this process. To support customers, Hydro One automatically waives all connection fees along with delivery fees when power is disconnected due to flooding.

Visit Hydro One’s website for more emergency preparedness and flood safety tips.

The post Hydro One Urges Ontarians In Flood Prone Areas To Safeguard Their Homes appeared first on Muskoka411.

Lower–lying portions of known flood–prone areas are being impacted to various degrees. Be cautious if traveling on local waterways. Boat traffic during high water conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.

With rain, warmer temperatures and melting snow, banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System
Weather forecasts call for up to 8 mm of rainfall with daytime high temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius for May 4 to May 11, 2023.
Description of Current Conditions High water levels and river flows continue for Lake of Bays, South Branch Muskoka River, Lake Rosseau and Joseph, Lake Muskoka and the Bala Reach/Moon River.
River flows and lake water levels are expected to remain high for the next several days.

The watersheds are cascading systems – each waterbody feeds into the next downstream.

Runoff from rain and snowmelt cascades and compounds through the entire system affecting water levels in each waterbody. It will take a number of days for the additional rain to work its way through the entire system. Downstream water bodies may experience a delay in the full impact of the upstream inputs.
MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.

• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect until Friday, May 12, 2023. This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the unorganized Townships of Mowat, Blair, and McConkey. River Sections included in this Flood Warning are: French River and
Lower Pickerel River. Lower–lying portions of known flood–prone areas are impacted to various degrees.

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