With a significant amount of rain forecast for Wednesday, both Lower Trent Conservation and Quinte Conservation have issued advisories regarding the potential for flooding.
Read both statements below:
Lower Trent Conservation (LTC) advises municipalities and the public that a Flood Warning has been issued for the local creeks within the Lower Trent Watershed region (area stretching from Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake and east to Centre Hastings). This Flood Warning is an update to the Flood Outlook Statement issued on March 6, 2026.
With the recent warm temperatures and precipitation received over the weekend and early this week, many of our local creeks have received increased run-off and have elevated water levels. The current forecast is showing that LTC’s watershed will receive between 20-40 millimeters of rain starting late this evening and continuing until Thursday March 12, 2026. There is also the potential for thunderstorms which may result in an additional 10 millimeters in localized areas. Depending on the evening temperatures, there is also the possibility of freezing rain. Although we have experienced above average temperatures for this time of year, there is still snowpack throughout the watershed. The remaining snowpack may be unable to absorb much of the melt or rain forecasted, which could accelerate snowmelt.
High water levels along our local creeks could cause flooding of driveways, access roads or buildings located in low-lying areas. Residents should ensure that their sump pumps are working and secure personal property along creek banks. Local municipalities are the first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies. Residents requiring assistance should contact their local municipality. If you experience a flood emergency and are in danger, please call 911.
Municipalities and the public should be aware that localized inundation is possible in urban areas where storm drains may not be able to handle the snowmelt and rainfall.
While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never cease to exist, they are of particular concern during these conditions. Water currents could be strong and temperatures are cold. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Additionally, areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
Lower Trent Conservation monitors water levels and weather forecasts closely as part of its flood forecasting and warning program. Daily water level updates are available at www.LTC.on.ca. If you have concerns about water levels, please contact Lower Trent Conservation at (613) 394-4829.
This Flood Warning for local creeks and streams will be in effect until Monday March 16, 2026 at 4:00pm.
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Quinte Conservation is advising residents of the potential for swollen creeks and nuisance flooding due to expected freezing rain and rain on melting snow.
Weather Forecast: Weather forecasts for the Quinte Watershed predict 20-30 mm of rainfall in the southern portions of the watershed and Prince Edward County on Wednesday. Areas north of Highway 7 are expected to receive 20-25 mm of freezing rainfall. Warm temperatures on Wednesday will continue significant reductions in snowpack south of Highway 7. Prince Edward County may lose all of its remaining snowpack.
Watershed Conditions: Runoff from recent rain and snowmelt has created a sudden rise in water levels on small creeks. Nuisance flooding is likely to occur around small watercourses, urban areas, and ditches. Large river systems and inland lakes are rising but not expected to flood at this time. This winter has seen significant above average snow accumulation. Currently, the snowpack throughout the watershed has been dramatically reduced, with significant snow remaining in the wooded areas north of Highway 7. Melting snow is expected to be the principal factor in this year’s freshet. Snowmelt in the southern regions over next 2 days is not expected to generate significant flooding issues.
Ice conditions may be compromised due to significant rain and higher flows.
Risks:
Prince Edward County – Swollen small creeks and watercourses will rise to bankfull conditions and possibly inundate adjacent low-lying areas. Nuisance flooding is likely to persist for a few days. Water courses should peak within a few days and start to recede for the season.
Salmon and Napanee Watersheds – Major waterways have peaked from the weekend rains but are expected to resume rising with Wednesday’s rain. Bankfull or near bankfull conditions should be expected within a few days. Serious flooding is not expected. Nuisance flooding is likely to occur around creeks and small watercourses.
Moria Watershed – Freezing rain will be absorbed into the snowpack north of Highway 7. In southern areas, mixed precipitation of rain and freezing rain will melt out the remaining snowpack. Nuisance flooding is likely to occur around small watercourses.
The Moria River is expected to peak within a few days, well below flood stage. A second higher peak is likely to occur in a few weeks when the northern snowmelt resumes.
Other – During the period of this advisory, all ice surfaces in all watersheds should be considered dangerous and should be avoided. The public is advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies and to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks. Localized flooding is possible in flood-prone and low-lying areas.
Actions: Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas are reminded to take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Ensure sump pumps are in good working condition and have access to a portable backup generator and pump. Help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear from obstructions.
A Flood Outlook Statement gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) March 31, 2026.
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