Flood Warning Levels

In cooperation with various levels of government, Conservation Authorities work to reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage from flooding, erosion and other natural hazards.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for forecasting where and when flooding is likely to occur and issuing flood alerts and warnings to Conservation Authorities. To reduce the impact of potential flooding the Conservation Authority may monitor flows and water levels within their watersheds, operate flood control structures such as dams and flood control channels to prevent or reduce flooding, and work with the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources, municipalities and emergency response agencies to prepare for potential flooding and mitigation efforts.

Conservation Authorities in collaboration with the province work together to ensure flood terminology is consistent with other agencies such as the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada and the Weather Network.

The SSMRCA issues four types of messages depending on conditions:

NORMAL

No flood conditions.

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT

A general notice of potential flooding or other conditions that pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding.

There are two types of Statements:

WATER SAFETY	FLOOD OUTLOOK
Indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous to people and pets. Flooding is not expected.	Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts call for heavy rain, snow melt high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

FLOOD WATCH

Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

FLOOD WARNING

Flooding is imminent or occurring. A flood warning is a notice that flooding is imminent or occuring within specific watercourses and municipalities. They may be updated depending upon such things as: temperatures, precipitation and runoff conditions.

For Provincial Flood Information, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Flood Information Website.