Rain forecast brings water warning, nuisance flooding

Local weather forecasts predicting 40-50 mm of mixed precipitation, including rain changing to freezing rain, throughout the Quinte Conservation Watershed Friday night into Sunday is bringing a water safety warning from Quinte Conservation.

With frozen ground cover and low snow coverage, creeks, streams, and rivers will rise rapidly in response to rain and runoff, said Water Resources Manager Christine McClure.

“Runoff on ice and frozen ground will create a quick rise in water levels on creeks and rivers; however, river flows are around normal for this time of year and are not forecasted to overtop their banks at this time.”

Nuisance flooding is possible 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 and can make for unstable banks and dangerous water conditions. The public is advised to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks.

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