Watercourses running high and fast, conservation authorities warn

CTV Barrie: Cool nights good for flood-prone areas Colder weather should slow down the water flow in flood-prone areas, which is good news for residents facing flooding.

Watercourses throughout the region are running very high amid warm and rainy conditions.

According to the OPP, the Nottawasaga River is running at a 50-year high. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority says a flood warning issued Friday remains in effect as rain is still in the forecast until Monday evening.

Environment Canada says a cold snap will turn that rain into snow come Tuesday.

High water levels and cold, fast-flowing water in rivers and streams are creating dangerous conditions, the NVCA says.

The warning will be in effect until Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources says in the past 24 hours Huntsville got 14 millimetres of rain, which is less than forecast, but lake and river levels continue to rise.

The MNR expects flood-prone areas along the Big East could start seeing flooding late this afternoon or early this evening. There is no flooding reported yet.

In Grey Sauble, heavy rain that was expected over the weekend missed most of the watershed.

The conservation authority there says most of the flows dropped over the weekend but have started to rise again as the snow continues to melt. Flows are seasonally high and with the saturated soil conditions, could be susceptible to more rain.

Flooding in low-lying areas will likely continue over the next few days.

As well, a flood warning in the Burnt, Irondale, Gull and Black River areas remains in effect. The flood watch for the Kawartha Conservation watershed also remains in effect.

The following roads in Kawartha are closed due to flooding:

Filled sandbags are available at the Burnt River depot. Sand and bags are available at the Carden and Coboconk Works Yards. For Black River residents, sand and bags are available at the intersection of Chisholm Trail and Amon Dr.

The water level on the Black River in Ramara Township continues to rise today.

Flooding in the northern part of the township is increasing. However, Canal Lake is dropping in level, which means some relief for residents in Gamebridge.

In a news release, Ramara Fire and Rescue Services Chief Dave McCarthy says Trent Severn Waterway managers are indicating the lake level is dropping and water is flowing through the system.

Overall, cooler temperatures tonight should reduce runoff and end up with lower flows.