WEST CARLETON — The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority says upcoming wet, warm weather, may increase water levels and flows rapidly in the coming week.

“With warmer temperatures and potential rain on Sunday, flows and levels are expected to increase more rapidly across the Mississippi River watershed next week,” the MVCA released in a statement today (April 5). “Although flows in the Carp River will also increase as the remainder of the snow enters the system, serious flood levels are not expected at this time. No significant flooding is expected over the next four days along the main stem of the Mississippi, Clyde, Fall or Indian Rivers.”

Parents are encouraged to remind their children about hypothermia and 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 are strongly urged to stay off all ice-covered waterways.

Residents in flood prone or low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:
Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
Portable backup generator and/or battery pump
Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
Removing 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 April 9, and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
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.