Lower Trent Conservation has issued a flood outlook statement for creeks within the watershed region.
The Lower Trent watershed region stretches from Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake and east to Centre Hastings.
The upgrade from a water safety statement is due to the forecast, with the watershed area likely to experience continuous snowmelt with temperatures reaching a high of 13 degrees over the coming week. This in addition to a forecasted 30 to 50 millimetres of rain expected into Saturday evening.
The potential for thunderstorms may also result in increased precipitation in localized areas, note conservation officials.
“The remaining snowpack is dense and may be unable to absorb much of the melt or rain forecasted, accelerating the snowmelt,” explains Lower Trent. “The above average temperatures forecast, rainfall and increased snowmelt may lead to increased runoff into local streams.”
Municipalities and the public should be aware that localized inundation is possible in urban areas where storm drains may not be able to handle the snowmelt and rainfall. Officials are also reiterating that during this time, high water levels, unsafe banks or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users and waterfront landowners.
Nuisance flooding for some may also occur within low-lying and poorly-drained areas.
Officials are also reminding parents and caregivers to keep kids and pets away from all waterways and that areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
Lower Trent’s flood outlook statement for local creeks and streams will remain in effect until Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m.