THE COUNTIES, Ontario - The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is issuing a Flood Outlook Statement for the RRCA jurisdiction.
Across the RRCA’s watersheds, river flow remains elevated from the snowmelt and rainfall of Feb. 16-17. Environment and Climate Change Canada has forecast that temperatures for Feb. 22 will rise above zero degrees Celsius and remain above zero overnight, and that 15-20 mm of rainfall is expected during this time. This snowmelt and rainfall may rapidly increase water levels and flows throughout the RRCA jurisdiction.
Water levels may reach the typical spring peak. Residents should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:
- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve
- Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is as least 3 metres from the dwelling
- Securing items that might float away as flows increase
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
Water levels are expected to stabilize and begin declining on Thursday, February 24, when the forecast calls for persistent below-zero temperatures for several days.
This statement is in effect until Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at 2 p.m. The RRCA will continue to monitor water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning program and will provide updates as conditions change.