(North Bay Sept 20, 2021) With 75mm of rain in the forecast over the next four days, the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Outlook Statement for the watershed.
“Water levels on watercourses within NBMCA jurisdiction are generally at average levels for this time of year. However, there is significant rainfall in the forecast over the next three days, with 31mm forecast for tomorrow (Tuesday), 22mm for Wednesday, 14mm for Thursday, and continued small rainfall forecast in the days after,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
Flood outlook gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts that could lead to possible high runoff, riverine flooding, lakeshore flooding, or erosion.
“There is also the possibility of high amounts in localized areas which may cause urbanized watercourses such as Chippewa Creek to rise quickly. Rural watercourses will take more time to respond to incoming rainfall, but sustained rainfall over several days may cause rural watercourses to rise significantly,” added Romanchuk.
Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks become very slippery with precipitation, and when combined with open and/or fast-moving water can pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and water bodies.
A close watch on local conditions and updated forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada is also recommended. Staff at the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates if conditions change.
The general public is advised of these messages through the www.nbmca.ca website with the flood status icon and a link to information about current conditions. NBMCA also circulates these messages to local media and social media, posting on Twitter @theNBMCA, Instagram nbmcainfo, and Facebook theNBMCA.
The public is invited to share photos of watershed conditions on social media using #NBMCAFlood.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Friday, September 24, 5:00pm.
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