Flood Outlook Statement is issued to raise awareness. Based on weather forecasts for extreme cold,
heavy rain, snowmelt or high wind, a change in conditions on local waterways is possible.
ISSUED TO: Municipalities (Alnwick/Haldimand, Brighton, Centre Hastings, Cramahe, Quinte West, StirlingRawdon, Trent Hills), Northumberland & Hastings Counties, Ministry of Natural Resources &
Forestry, Parks Canada – Ontario Waterways, Ontario Power Generation, Innergex, Media,
Health Units, Emergency Response Agencies
Valid until Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 12:00PM
Lower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that a Flood Outlook Statement has been issued for the local creeks within Lower Trent Watershed region (area stretching for Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake and east to Centre Hastings). It is important to note that during this time high water levels unsafe banks or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users and waterfront land, owners. Nuisance flooding for some may occur.
A series of low-pressure systems are forecasted to traverse through the watershed over the next several days.
Air temperatures are expected to be well above normal into the high single digits and total rainfall amounts of 25-45mm are forecasted.
Water levels and flows along our local creeks and streams are average for this time of year. The forecasted rainfall and active snowmelt on potentially frozen or saturated soils will result in runoff causing higher than normal flows and water levels in all watercourses within the Lower Trent Conservation watershed.
Widespread flooding is not expected at this time; however, localized inundation of low-lying areas and poorly drained areas, and localized roadway ponding is possible.
While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never cease to exist, they are of particular concern during these conditions. Water currents could be strong and temperatures are still cold.
Additionally, river ice may start to break up and flow downstream. Minor ice jams are possible under these conditions; however, the volume of ice formed at this point in the season should not lead to significant ice jam concerns. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
Lower Trent Conservation monitors water levels and weather forecasts closely as part of its flood forecasting and warning program. Daily water level updates are available at www.LTC.on.ca. If you have concerns about water levels, please contact Lower Trent Conservation at (613) 394-4829. Anyone having concerns about water levels on the Trent River can contact Parks Canada (705)-750-4950 or trentsevern@pc.gc.ca.
This Flood Outlook Statement for local creeks and streams will be in effect until Thursday, January 2,
2025 at 12:00PM.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
