The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry—Fort Frances District is advising area residents that a “flood outlook” watershed condition statement is in effect in the district until Monday at 5 p.m.
Residents in Atikokan, Fort Frances, Mine Centre, Emo, Rainy River and surrounding ares throughout the district should monitor upcoming weather forecasts. They should also exercise caution around less-travelled roads, lakes, rivers, and areas of high runoff potentials as water levels in the district are high.
Recent rain events in the region and our district have resulted in spring-like stream flow conditions.
Additional rainfall due to this incoming system this weekend has the potential to increase stream flow in area streams that are already high and due to the effects of earlier rainfall.
Stream flows could be high over the long weekend and into next week due to the widespread rainfall (spatially and temporally) associated with the system moving into the province from the southern U.S.
The flood outlook-level watershed condition statement is meant to give the public early notice of the potential for flooding-based forecast calling for heavy rain, snow, high winds or other conditions.
The MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
The statement could be upgraded to a flood watch—where the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities—or a flood warning if flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities
First-hand reports of changing weather conditions from public and local agencies are greatly appreciated and benefit the overall flood program.
