The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has issued a flood watch for Minden – until May 3. The MNRF said they are watching the Burnt and Gull rivers.
“Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams,” the ministry said.
It added that lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as lake and river levels start to rise in response to significant precipitation.
The MNRF is further advising people to be cautious around waterbodies and keep an eye on children and pets. The same goes for using forest access roads, as they may become inundated with water, be washed out, and become impassible due to localized flooding.
“Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue to take necessary action to protect, and secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages,” the watch statement said. The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate, they said. They think the area could get 38-48 mm or rain this week. Lake levels and river flows within the Black, Burnt, Gull, Severn and Magnetawan watersheds are high, but still within their normal operating ranges for spring. However, lake water levels and river flows in certain areas could reach flood levels as a result of additional predicted rainfall. (Lisa Gervais).
