Snow melt, rain and mild temperatures could cause nuisance flooding

Runoff snow melt, rain and mild temperatures in the forecast could cause localized or nuisance flooding as water levels increase throughout area watersheds.

Quinte Conservation has issued a ‘Water Safety Statement’ which covers Prince Edward County, while the Lower Trent Conservation Authority advises a ‘Flood Outlook Statement’ for the area stretching from Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake.

While stream flows and levels in the watershed region are generally in the normal range for this time of year, the forecast is for rain and above seasonal temperatures anticipated for Monday to Wednesday.

Quinte Conservtion Water Resources Manger Christine McClure says residents should monitor sump pumps and ensure they are in good, working condition as some low-lying land may see ponded water.

“Quinte Conservation is urging members of the public to be extremely cautious around local waterways,” sshe said. “Ice that was safe earlier may be thinner due to warming temperatures.”

McClure is advising local residents stay off all ice-covered water bodies and to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast-flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks.

Stream banks should also be avoided in the winter as ice and snow make footing unpredictable and frigid open water conditions are dangerous.

“While Quinte Conservation does not measure ice thickness for recreational activities, the organization is issuing a Water Safety Statement (until or updated before Feb. 23) regarding the changing ice conditions.”

A Water Safety Statement indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children or pets. Flooding is not expected.

More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.