Eastern Ontario conservation authorities issue flood warnings

Two conservation authorities in eastern Ontario have issued flood warnings for several rivers and watershed lakes in their areas, with flooding imminent or already occurring in some locations.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) issued its warning Saturday for areas around Bob's Lake in South Frontenac, Christie Lake in Tay Valley and the Tay River in Perth, Ont. 

The Tay River was high enough Sunday to have partially submerged benches and bridges in Perth's Stewart Park.

Properties around the Rideau River between the Ottawa communities of Manotick and Becketts Landing are also at risk, the RVCA said, with water levels expected to remain high for at least the next week. 

Brian Stratton, manager of engineering services at RVCA, said Wednesday's storm not only brought large amounts of rain but also melted existing snow. 

• Take a look at what Wednesday's April ice storm did to the region

"Since then, water levels peaked," Stratton said, adding that Parks Canada staff are monitoring the levels closely.

"We think the worst is over for the most part, but there is a little bit of risk in some areas with the ongoing snow melt this week."

A flood watch is also in place for properties around Big Rideau Lake, Upper Rideau Lake and along the Rideau River from Smiths Falls, Ont., to Burritts Rapids, Ont.

Further southwest, Quinte Conservation says water levels on the Moira River from Stoco Lake to Corbyville, Ont., are continuing to rise and will be comparable to levels seen in 2017.

Persistent, steady rains soaked swaths of central and eastern Canada that spring, causing record precipitation and widespread flooding.

• The 2017 Ottawa and Gatineau flood: A photo timeline

Quinte Conservation says the upper Moira, Black, Skootamatta, Salmon, and Napanee rivers, as well as watershed lakes, have peaked or are peaking after last week's rainfall, noting no specific flood conditions are expected in Prince Edward County.

It says Stoco Lake and the Moira River in Tweed, Ont., have both approached one-in-10-year flood levels, and says next week's warmer forecast will melt any remaining snowpack and may cause watercourses to rise.

The authority is advising that all remaining ice surfaces should be considered unstable, adding the public should remain cautious near bodies of water and stay away from open and fast flowing water.

Minor flooding possible from Arnprior to Hawkesbury

South Nation Conservation (SNC) has issued a flood outlook statement for areas along the lower Ottawa River from Arnprior, Ont., to Hawkesbury,  Ont., warning of minor flooding. 

"While there are currently no flooding indicators of concern, it is still too early to forecast peak river conditions which remain dependent on snowmelt and rainfall amounts," the SNC said in its statement.

Conservation officials are encouraging people to keep a close eye on changing water conditions and to stay away from areas where water flows are high or where banks might be unstable.