Bulletin
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
North Bay District
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – North Bay District, is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook is in effect in the District until Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
Residents in the North Bay District area should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers and streams. Please alert and monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities. The forecasted precipitation for tonight and into the weekend could cause local flooding in low lying areas.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
A low-pressure system is moving into the province today through Sunday, bringing rain and snow to the Northeast region. The system is expected to enter the region tonight, tapering off by Sunday night. Most precipitation is forecast for Saturday, followed by smaller amounts on Sunday. The district could receive significant precipitation with amounts of 20 to 40mm of rain possible over tonight and through Saturday. Northern reaches of the district are expected to receive most of the precipitation as snow with amounts of 15-20cm.
Daytime temperatures in the northern reaches of the district are forecast to remain below or close to zero with nighttime temperatures staying close to freezing or below freezing into next week. Daytime temperatures in the southern reaches of the district are forecast to range from approximately 5°C to -5°C with nighttime temperatures remaining close to or below freezing for the same period.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels and flows in local watercourses are within the average range for this time of year. While there is still snow cover in the northern reaches of the district, over all snow levels are below normal throughout the district. Rainfall and snowmelt over today and tomorrow could result in flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage and a history of flooding. Residents in these areas are encouraged to monitor conditions and prepare accordingly.
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
- SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
- SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
- 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/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
- Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
- A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.