A flood warning has been extended by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry once again until July 28 for residents in the West Arm area of Lake Nipissing, as well as the French and Lower Pickerel River Watersheds.
That includes the Municipality of St. Charles, Municipality of French River and the Municipality of Killarney, McConkey Township, Blair Township, Mowat Township and Henvey Inlet First Nation.
The Ministry is monitoring the weather and ongoing watershed conditions. Additional updates will be issued as appropriate.
The five-day forecast for the Lake Nipissing, French & Pickerel River areas, is calling for no precipitation today and through the weekend. There is the possibility of rain arriving Monday.
However, total rainfall accumulation between today and Monday should be light, with only 10 – 15mm falling across the watershed. Daytime temperatures are expected to warm beginning today and carry through the weekend into next week.
Lake Nipissing water levels are currently sitting at 196.25m, which is still above the maximum non-damage water level of 196.22m.
The inflows into the lake have continued to decrease and discharge into the French River is being evaluated daily. The lake is still considered vulnerable to significant rainfall events.
Although the water levels and flows in the French River have continued to slowly decline over the past few weeks, they are still high. There is still flooding occurring where homes and other infrastructure in low lying areas are impacted.
Municipalities and residents, especially those in low-lying areas and along shorelines, are encouraged to monitor these conditions and prepare accordingly. Shorelines and banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and unstable at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard.
