Flooding File Photo - (Acadia Broadcasting)
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) has issued a flood watch for the Lakehead Region.
This includes Thunder Bay, Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge, Shuniah, O’Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion.
Rainfall and above-freezing temperatures are expected over the weekend.
According to the LRCA, a slightly below-average snowpack has been recorded as of Friday in local snow monitoring locations, ranging from 23 to 46 centimetres in depth with 80 to 101 millimetres of equivalent water.
The combined snowmelt and rainfall could cause significant runoff due to the frozen ground, ditches and waterways.
Low-lying areas may experience a rise in water levels.
The public is being advised by the LRCA to pay attention to local forecasts and exercise caution in and around waterways.
High flows and unstable slippery banks could be dangerous.
Parents and caregivers are advised to keep pets and children away from all waterways and to discuss the hazards of unstable ice and cold fast-flowing water.
The LRCA adds that you should never drive through a flooded road.
A Flood Watch is issued when the assessed conditions indicate that the potential for flooding exists.
Conservation staff will continue to monitor conditions as part of its flood forecasting and warning program.
The watch is in place until Monday at 10:00 A.M.
