NVCA Flood Warning

Issued to:  local municipalities and school boards, local conservation authorities, emergency response agencies, health unit, media, NVCA board and staff

Date:         April 1, 2025 (1:00 pm)

 

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) advises that significant rainfall of up to 75mm is expected within the next 24-48 hours. Municipal emergency plans for the southern portion of the watershed should be activated.

 

Large portions of the NVCA watershed have received approximately 50mm of precipitation since Friday evening. As a result, watercourses across the region are elevated, and have limited capacity. With the watershed nearing or at full capacity, the ability to drain and absorb additional rainfall is limited. Water levels are expected to continue rising both before and during the upcoming precipitation event. The current forecast predicts an additional 35-50mm of mixed precipitation beginning Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday morning, with up to 75mm of rain forecast for our watershed’s southwestern municipalities, particularly the Town of Shelburne, Township of Melancthon, the Township of Amaranth and the Municipality of Grey Highlands.

 

Localized flooding is ongoing across the watershed, compounded by damaged and restricted communication and power networks throughout the Nottawasaga Valley region. Furthermore, recent rainfall has severely reduced the watershed’s capacity to manage runoff and meltwater, increasing the likelihood of further flooding.

Municipal emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should remain on alert and take all necessary precautions for potential flood events. Municipal flood emergency plans should be activated where required. Low-lying homes near watercourses may need to be evacuated.

 

Hazardous conditions exist around all waterbodies, with a high risk of life-threatening injury if a person falls into fast-flowing water. The public, especially children and pets, are strongly advised to stay away from all waterbodies. Landowners in flood-prone areas should be prepared to leave their properties if rising waters necessitate evacuation.

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority will continue to monitor this weather system as it moves through the watershed and will issue additional messages as conditions warrant. This Flood Warning Statement will remain in effect, or be updated before, until 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025.

 

William Flavelle
Flood Duty Officer

 

Taryn Arsenault

Flood Duty Officer