South Nation Conservation Flood Watch – March 14, 2025

Finch – South Nation Conservation (SNC) advises that the Flood Outlook Statement issued on March 10th has been upgraded to a Flood Watch.

Weather Forecast: Environment Canada is forecasting warmer temperatures beginning Friday afternoon with a high of 7°C, followed by a daytime high of 16°C over the weekend in addition to 10-15 mm of rain forecasted on Sunday afternoon into Monday.

Environmental Conditions: Rainfall and snow melt will increase water levels and flows in local streams and rivers. While widespread flooding is not anticipated, fast-flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas, floodplains, and areas with poor drainage are possible.

Risks: Rivers across the jurisdiction will result in higher water levels, fast-flowing water and slippery or unstable banks. Additionally, these conditions elevate the risk for ice breakup and ice jams at bridges, culverts and other areas producing localized flooding concerns in low-lying areas.

ACTION: Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

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

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase.

Duration: This flood watch statement is in effect until March 18th, 2025 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

SNC monitors the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water-related conditions please email waterwatch@nation.on.ca, post on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).