Nuisance flooding, unstable ice with wintry weather mix

Local weather forecasts are predicting 40-50 mm of mixed precipitation, including rain changing to snow, throughout the Quinte Conservation Watershed Wednesday night and throughout Thursday.

Quinte Conservation reports creeks, streams, and rivers are expected to rise rapidly in response to rain and runoff in areas with low snow coverage. Runoff from rain and snow melt will create a quick rise in water levels on creeks and rivers; however, they are not forecasted to top over their banks at this time.

Nuisance flooding is likely around small watercourses, urban areas and ditches. Large river systems and inland lakes are not expected to flood at this time.

“Ice conditions are expected to deteriorate during this period. With the anticipation of quickly rising lake levels, ice cover may become unstable,” says Dave EAstcott, water resources technologist. “Ice surfaces are expected to become covered with slush and subsequent re-freezing may make ice fishing structures difficult to remove in the future. The public is advised to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks for the duration of this weather event.”

He reminds residents to make sure their sump pumps are in good working condition and to help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear from obstructions.