Flood watch issued for Mississippi River watershed

A water level ruler in Ottawa. May 2, 2025. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) in eastern Ontario has issued a flood watch for the Mississippi River watershed.

A flood watch statement indicates that flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities, the MVCA says. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.

“Recent low-pressure systems have brought mild temperatures and rainfall across the watershed, accelerating remaining snowmelt and increasing runoff. Water levels and flows are now elevated across the system and continue to rise along the Mississippi River and its tributaries,” the MVCA said on Monday. “Snowpack remains in the upper watershed, which—combined with any additional forecasted rainfall—may further increase flows into the system. Ground conditions are saturated, which will limit infiltration and increase runoff.”

A flood outlook statement remains in effect for the Carp River watershed, according to the conservation authority, and a water safety statement is in effect for the lower Ottawa River from Arnprior to Hawkesbury.

A flood watch was issued last week by the Ministry of Natural Resources for the Ottawa River between Pembroke and Arnprior. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority issued a flood watch for the Tay Valley and Rideau Lakes areas.

A rainfall warning was briefly in effect in parts of eastern Ontario on Monday, after a rainy Sunday. According to Environment Canada, Ottawa received 16.4 mm of rain on Sunday.

The MVCA says residents in the Mississippi River watershed are advised to exercise caution when near rivers, streams, and other bodies of water due to high flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

The conservation authority says residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve.
• Having a portable generator and backup pump available.
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from any structure.
• Removing or securing items that might float away if flows increase.
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy.
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan