The City of Ottawa has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre due to some localized flooding.
Currently, minor flooding is happening in low-lying areas that typically see this during the spring season.
This flooding mainly comes from a spring filled with April showers. Environment Canada reported 83.4 mm of rain at the Ottawa International Airport from April 1 to April 17.
More rain is on the way now.
Environment Canada has put out a special weather statement for Ottawa, Kanata, and Orléans as a cold front moves through the area.
Rain is expected to begin Saturday afternoon and continue overnight into Sunday morning. The weather agency forecasts total rainfall between 10 to 20 mm.
“Portions of the region have received significant rainfall amounts over the last few days. As a result, further rainfall could have significant impacts,” it says. “Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Don’t drive through flooded roadways.”
Flood messages are active for almost all of southeastern Ontario with flood watches issued for the Ottawa area. (Government of Ontario/screenshot)
A flood watch is currently in effect for both the Ottawa and Rideau rivers.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority indicates that areas between Arnprior and Britannia, as well as downstream from Britannia to Hawkesbury, are particularly concerning. Minor flood levels are expected to be surpassed with major flood levels possible on Sunday and Monday.
The conservation authority describes major flood levels as “the level at which one or several streets are beginning to flood, with several houses/buildings or neighbourhoods being affected.”
Some roads in the eastern part of the city, like Tweddle Road, Boisé Lane, and the Blair Road boat launch, are closed due to flooding. The city plans to keep monitoring the situation, and updates regarding road closures can be found on their interactive map.
Residents are also encouraged to safeguard their properties. The city mentions that there are now 15 sandbag locations open across town.
People cross Elgin Street as rain falls in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
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