WET – IF NOT WILD – WEEK AHEAD FOR LABOURERS, RETURN TO SCHOOL

PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — Labour Day weekend will be wet — if not wild following yesterday’s deluge and as water levels are high for this time of year.

That’s the weather forecast for the next week that has the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Parry Sound District advising residents and visitors to be careful the first week of school.

They issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety at 1 p.m. today until Thursday, Sept. 10.

It said on Friday Sept. 4 that everyone in should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check MuskokaTODAY.com for updated messages and exercise caution around water bodies as flows and levels within rivers and streams are relatively high for this time of year.

They say that although flooding is not expected at this time, you may wish to consider taking action to secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas.

And that residents and visitors should exercise caution while around water bodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

The ministry field office says it is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System:

Over the past 10 days the area has received significant amounts of precipitation.

Muskoka Airport received 90 mm of rain; however it is likely that other areas in the district received more rain as some of the rain events were more severe locally.

The forecast currently indicates that over the next seven days we could see another approximately 50 mm of rain.

Description of Current Conditions:

Currently, water levels and flows in lakes and rivers are relatively high for this time of year. It is anticipated that these levels will remain relatively high over the next week depending on precipitation that is received.

It is expected that lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees by high water.

DEFINITIONS:

  • WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
  • WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
  • FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
  • FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

LEARN MORE:

  • Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/flooding
  • Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
Saturday’s weather is iffy and more suited to ducks and geese. But Sunday looks great before a wet Labour Day Monday and a rainy start to the new school year the rest of the week. But who knows?