The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a flood warning for areas on the Ottawa River in a large part of Renfrew County as heavy rain continues to fall on the region. In a bulletin issued Tuesday afternoon, the Ministry says melting snow along with widespread rainfall has caused water levels on the river to rise significantly. Flooding in low-lying areas is expected to be seen most noticeably between Pembroke and Arnprior. Areas currently experiencing high water levels can expect those conditions to continue. “Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past, should take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages,” the Ministry of Natural Resources says. “The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions, further updates will be issued as appropriate.” Mild temperatures and wet weather is expected to continue over the next two weeks with approximately 30 to 60 mm of rain over that period. The Whitewater Region Township says is actively evaluating the deployment of sandbags based on changing conditions. On Monday, The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority issued a flood watch for the Mississippi River Watershed in eastern Ontario, from Mazinaw Lake to the Ottawa River near Fitzroy Harbour. A flood outlook statement was also issued for the Lower Ottawa River, between Arnprior and Hawkesbury. The Tay Valley and Rideau Lakes areas are under a flood watch due to rising water levels. A total of 25.5 mm of rain was recorded at the Ottawa Airport on Sunday and Monday, and Ottawa has received 52.7 mm of rain so far in April. With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Pringle
