The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry – Fort Frances District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect in the District until Monday, May 02, 2022 at 5pm.
Residents in Atikokan, Fort Frances, Mine Center, Emo, Rainy River and surrounding areas throughout the Fort Frances District should keep a close watch on upcoming weather forecasts and local water conditions as water levels and flows are currently high. Residents should also exercise caution around less travelled roads, lakes, rivers and areas of high runoff potential.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
First-hand reports of changing water conditions from the public and local agencies are greatly appreciated and benefit the overall flood program. Please also consider tweeting reports of flooding with the hashtag #ONFlood.
Forecast temperatures and precipitation have resulted in elevated water levels and flows due to significant snow melt and runoff.
Water levels could continue to rise over the course of the week due to the widespread rainfall and snowmelt experienced late last week and the potential for more precipitation and snowmelt this week. Localized flooding is possible in areas where frozen ground has a lessened ability to absorb the rainfall and snowmelt.
Description of Current Conditions
Degradation of river ice and ice jam related flooding from increasing water levels and flows, fast moving cold water with rapidly changing conditions, and flooding of low-lying areas is currently being observed throughout the Fort Frances District.
