(North Bay November 20, 2019)   Above average snow levels, warming temperatures and forecast rain have prompted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a Water Safety statement to caution area residents of the growing risks near and around area watercourses.

“The anticipated 15mm of rainfall combined with a melting snowpack with water content that is 1500% of normal for this time of year, will increase runoff to area lakes and watercourses.  The water is cold and streambanks will be slippery so they could pose a safety hazard,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.

Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and water bodies.

Water levels on watercourses with NBMCA’s jurisdiction are generally within average ranges for this time of year, with the exception of Lake Nipissing which remains above its seasonable average.  Flooding is not anticipated however water is likely to accumulate on roadways, parking lots and flat or low-lying areas, he added.

The current forecast for the North Bay-Mattawa area is 15mm of precipitation tomorrow, expected to come mainly as rain, with a high around 4 degrees Celsius.  Only trace precipitation is expected over the following few days, with highs returning to at or below 0 degrees Celsius.

All residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing.  Municipalities are encouraged to monitor shorelines and water crossings, and respond to high water levels as necessary.

Staff at the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates if conditions change.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Friday, November 22, 2019, 4:00pm.

The general public is advised of these messages through the www.nbmca.on.ca website with the flood status icon and a link to information about current conditions. NBMCA also issues these messages to local media.

The general public is advised of these messages through www.nbmca.ca website with the flood status icon and a link to information about current conditions.  NBMCA also issues these messages through local media and social media including twitter @theNBMCA using #NBMCAFlood and facebook.com/theNBMCA.

The public is invited to share their photos of local water conditions through social media #NBMCAFlood.

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CONTACT:

Kurtis Romanchuk, Duty Officer, 705 474-5420
Sue Buckle, Supervisor Communications & Outreach, 705 474-5420 ext 2010