The Flood Warning remains in effect for the Moira, Salmon and Napanee River watersheds. Quinte Conservation Water Resources Manager Bryon Keene says, “Although our local waterways have crested or will peak soon, the flooding situation will continue for several days. Many homes that are flooded will remain so for some time.”
Keene adds, “Those homeowners who have sandbagged should keep an eye on them for at least the next two days as there may be some localized instances where water could get slightly higher as flood water from upstream works its way through the flood plain areas.”
It is expected that the lower Moira River, south of Stoco Lake to Foxboro, should crest overnight and see declining levels tomorrow. Keene says, “Those in the floodplain near Foxboro should expect about seven days of decline on the Moira River before it returns to normal spring runoff conditions.”
Keene adds, “The Moira River will crest at a 50 year flood level, the highest some people have seen since 1981. Records have been kept on the Moira River since 1915 and this year is the third highest on record. 1981 is first and 1936 second.”
Moira Lake has begun to recede and Stoco Lake has stabilized. Levels on Stoco Lake exceeded 100 year flood levels. Lakes around Verona will be high for several more days and should see water levels declining today or tomorrow.
The Napanee River has crested from the effects of recent rain. It will remain high for several days from Verona to Napanee. It should take seven to days to return to normal spring runoff conditions. Records have been kept on the Napanee River since 1974 and this year is the highest on record.
The Salmon River has peaked. Records have been kept on the Salmon River since 1958 and this is the fourth highest year on record.
A Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
Residents who are concerned that their homes may require sandbagging should contact their municipality. States of emergency have been declared in the City of Belleville, Municipality of Tweed, Municipality of Centre Hastings and the Township of Stone Mills.
Quinte Conservation staff are monitoring conditions closely. Anyone concerned about flooding may call the Quinte Conservation office twenty-four hours a day and follow the prompts to report any flooding. The numbers to call are (613) 968-3434 or (613) 354-3312.
Quinte Conservation monitors water levels, weather forecasts and ice and snow conditions carefully as part of the agency’s flood forecasting and warning program. Quinte Conservation’s area of concern includes all of Prince Edward County and the drainage basins of the Moira, Salmon and Napanee Rivers and their tributaries. The public can keep up to date on flooding information by visiting www.quinteconservation.ca or following @quinteca on Twitter.
The public is urged to stay away from all waterways as unstable ice, slippery stream banks and frigid open water conditions are extremely dangerous. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times. More information is available at: www.quinteconservation.ca.
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