A flood watch is currently in effect for the Parry-Sound Muskoka area.
Residents within the districts of Parry Sound, Muskoka, and City of Kawartha Lakes are expected to experience the brunt of the flooding, announced the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in a press release on Thursday. The flood watch will impact parts of the Black, Burnt, Gull and Magnetawan watersheds.
The flood watch was initially set to expire on April 26, but as water levels continue to rise, it will now remain in effect until Friday, May 3.
To assist residents experiencing flooding, the Town of Gravenhurst is offering a limited number of sandbags at two locations: the turnarounds at Severn River Road East and Sunshine Court.
The Parry Sound-Muskoka area has received around 145mm of precipitation so far this month. This has caused significant runoff into local rivers and lakes, raising water to potentially dangerous levels. The MNRF expects water to continue to rise over the weekend due to anticipated precipitation.
Properties in low-lying areas of flood-prone regions may be impacted by the rising water levels.
Those in the area should be cautious around bodies of water and keep “close supervision of children and pets,” according to the announcement. The MNRF is also advising “extreme caution” when using forest access roads that are more prone to localized flooding or washouts.
Some regions are implementing more localized flood watches. The Ontonobee Conservation issued a flood watch for the Trent-Severn Waterway until Monday, April 29. Consult with your township for more information regarding your local water warnings.
Any concerns about water levels, should be directed to the MNRF’s water management team at 705-645-8747 or email watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca.