A Flood Outlook has been issued for the Junction Creek watershed and for the Romford Creek watershed.
Romford Creek flows through parts of Coniston before joining Coniston Creek.
For all other watercourses within the City of Greater Sudbury, water safety messaging is being maintained, said Conservation Sudbury in a news release. Both statements are effective as of 3 p.m. today and remain in effect until 10 a.m. on April 24.
According to Environment Canada, a Colorado low merging with a Texas low is forecast to move in tonight, bringing significant precipitation across the province. This system is expected to bring 20 to 40 mm of rain in the next 48 hours followed by warmer temperatures through the Easter weekend.
Current water levels and flows on all watercourses in our area are elevated but within seasonal range. The upper reaches of watersheds still have significant snowpack, holding about 150 mm of water content. The combination of rainfall and warm temperatures will produce significant runoff resulting in higher flows and water levels.
Smaller and urbanized watercourses like Junction and Romford Creeks can react much more quickly to high intensity rainfall than larger rivers will.
The developing conditions must be closely monitored by all residents, especially those living in known low-lying, hazard areas where overland flooding or ponding could become an issue, said Conservation Sudbury.
“Public safety is absolutely the No. 1 priority, especially for children who may be attracted to the edge of creeks or rivers,” Conservation Sudbury said in the release. “The cold, fast-flowing water must be avoided. Stream banks will be very slippery and unsafe, and must be avoided. Open water areas often found at the edges of ice-covered lakes will continue to widen and these must also be avoided.”
Conservation Sudbury remains in direct contact with the City of Greater Sudbury and all other partners as required; staff continues with the monitoring of water levels and updates will be provided as required.
For more information please visit ConservationSudbury.ca.
