Parts of North Bay District under a flood watch

The significant rainfall over the last two days and continuing through Sunday has triggered a flood watch from the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA)

A Flood Watch has been issued for portions of the City of North Bay and Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook has been issued for other parts of the North Bay-Mattawa watershed, according to a statement by the Ministry of Nature Resources (MNR) and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.

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“A low-pressure system is bringing warm temperatures and rainfall through today and tomorrow,” said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer.

“While water levels are currently at or below normal for this time of year, forecast rain-on-snow, combined with frozen ground will trigger increased runoff. Localized flooding is possible in low-lying and poorly drained areas.”

The passage of the low pressure system is expected to bring moist, warm weather pattern to the region over the next few days.

Environment Canada predicts the low-pressure system will result in 25 to 30 mm of rain for parts of the North Bay district on Sunday.

“Monday and beyond is likely to see gradual tapering off of rainfall as the system exits the province via the Ontario-Quebec corridor,” said MNR officials.

“(With) daytime temperatures are likely to range between 0 to 10 degrees anywhere in the province with night-time temperatures well above freezing until mid next week.”

Officials advise that the precipitation and widespread snow melt expected over the next few days will likely result in elevated water levels in local water courses.

“(Residents)should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around lakes, rivers and streams,” reads the MNR statement.

“Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.”

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The NBMCA and MNR will continue to monitor the weather and watershed conditions and update their messaging as needed. NBMCA staff will also remain in contact with municipalities and other partners as required.

The statements remain in effect until Dec. 31.