​MVCA issues flood watch for Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds

The Maitland Valley Conservation Area (MVCA) has issued a flood watch for all municipalities in the Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds. This means flooding is possible but not imminent or certain.

Warm temperatures moved in on the weekend, with significant snowmelt and forecasts of 10-30 millimetres (mm) of rainfall, with the possibility of embedded thunderstorms leading to localized higher rainfall totals.

Even without additional rainfall, river levels could reach those experienced during the December, 2008, event. Water levels were expected to rise rapidly throughout Saturday, likely exceeding bankfull and resulting in river flooding beyond typical low-lying areas. Current projections suggested peak flows may occur between Sunday morning and Monday night, with elevated flows potentially continuing into Wednesday for downstream portions of the watershed.

The MVCA encouraged municipal officials to check drainage systems, monitor low-lying and flood-prone roads and prepare for road closures. It reminds everyone that slippery and unstable streambanks and fast-moving cold water will create hazardous conditions around all watercourses.

MVCA staff is monitoring watershed conditions and will upgrade to a flood warning if conditions warrant. This message is in place until 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 11.