Region on edge as continued heavy rain forecasts prompt flood warnings

As much as 50 mm of rain was expected overnight Sunday, leading to a soggy start to the work week and flood warnings along the Ottawa River.

In a special weather statement issued Sunday morning, Environment Canada said the rain was expected to begin Sunday afternoon and increase in intensity overnight and into Monday.

“Multi-day rainfall totals of 30 to 50 mm could worsen the situation for sensitive areas,” the agency warned.

The rainfall prompted the Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley conservation authorities to issue flood warnings for the lower Ottawa River on Friday for the area between Arnprior and Hawkesbury.

“Runoff from this rain event will bring additional water volumes to the Ottawa River at a time when levels are already near major flood thresholds,” the authorities warned.

“The Ottawa River Regulating Committee anticipates that water levels along the main stem of the Ottawa River will rise again next week, possibly exceeding major flood thresholds. Rainfall runoff could affect multiple streets, lawns and houses in low-lying areas.”

The good news is that the flood levels are expected to remain “well below” the historic and devastating floods of 2017 and 2019.

River levels at Constance Bay and in Britannia are expected to rise about 30 cm above current levels during the week. Downstream, Rockland and Cumberland could see the river rise another 45 cm.

The City of Ottawa has published a list of resources available to residents in flood-prone area on its Spring Flood 2023 webpage along with up-to-date information on park, road and bike path closures.