MISSISSIPPI AND CARP RIVER WATERSHEDS— With above seasonal daytime temperatures and thunderstorms forecasted over the next few days, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is advising residents to use extreme caution if venturing on to rivers and lakes as ice conditions may be unstable.

“Flows and levels are expected to increase along the Lower Mississippi River and its tributaries as the snow melt coupled with rainfall makes its way through the system,” MVCA water resources technologist Jennifer North released in a statement today (March 19). “Residents in flood prone areas could see average spring flooding and are advised to continue to maintain a close watch on levels and flows. Ice jams are still possible and can result in water levels rising.”

Parents are encouraged to remind their children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks. They are also reminded to keep their pets away from the same areas.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property:

• Ensure sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
• Check portable backup generator and pump
• Ensure downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
• Remove or securing items that might float away as flows increase including hazardous material such as gas cylinders and solvents etc.
• Remove valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keep emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca. Updates to the watershed conditions will be issued as required This watershed conditions statement is in effect until March 27 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast changes.

Please note that MVCA does not monitor ice conditions.

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program staff monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, operates dams to help mitigate flooding, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.