The Ministry of Natural Resources – Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising
area residents and visitors that:
• Flood Warning is in effect for the French River and Pickerel River
• Flood Watch is in effect for the Severn River, including Sparrow Lake
These messages will remain in effect until Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59pm
This message applies to portions of the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound District,
including portions of the District of Parry Sound, and District of Muskoka, including the
French, Pickerel, Severn watersheds.
Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease
in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many may have been damaged by seasonal conditions, including washouts. These roads
may be impassable.
Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions,
regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and
streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 12°C to 20°C and overnight lows
between 4°C and 12°C with up to 20 mm of rainfall.
Some areas remain vulnerable to additional impacts should significant rainfall occur.
It is anticipated that water levels on the Severn River, French River and portions of the
Pickerel River will remain elevated.
Several areas are still experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations,
levels are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure
impacts and flooding.
Water levels and river flows in many locations are continuing to trend toward more normal
conditions, though some areas remain elevated.
