September 13, 2013 - 10:30 am
Local flood messages
Local information about flooding comes from conservation authorities and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Read current local messages.
Provincial flood messages
MNR issues provincial messages to alert local agencies and other parts of government. Read current provincial messages.
Map: Current Flood Messages in Ontario
Local Messages
MNR Districts
None
Conservation Authorities
None
For an explanation of the different types of flood messages, see What are Provincial and Local Flood Messages?
Provincial Messages
MNR Districts
None
Conservation Authorities
None
MNR Southern Region
Stream flow conditions across the southern region are within the seasonal range. Forecast precipitation for the region ranges from 10-20mm over the next five days.
MNR Northeastern Region
Stream flow conditions in the northeast are slightly above normal due to recent rainfall. Forecast for the next five days calls for 10 to 20 mm of precipitation.
MNR Northwestern Region
Stream flow conditions across the northwest are within the seasonal range. Forecast precipitation for the region ranges from 10-20mm over the next five days.
What are Provincial and Local Flood Messages?
In Ontario, there are two main types of flood messages: local messages and provincial messages. Local messages are issued by conservation authorities, or by MNR districts in areas that are not serviced by conservation authorities. Provincial messages are broader, high-level messages issued by MNR's Surface Water Monitoring Centre to local agencies and partner ministries to alert them to potential flooding.
Your local conservation authority is responsible for local flood messaging and your local municipality is responsible for on the ground flood response. For more information on your local situation, check with your conservation authority or municipality. If you live in a community that is not serviced by a conservation authority, any flood watches or flood warnings in your area are issued by the nearest MNR district office. See Who to Contact for Flood Information.
Types of Provincial Flood Messages
- The Provincial Flood Watch provides consistent and timely technical information regarding flood potential to those agencies that must respond to or deal with flood emergencies. The message prepares the provincial emergency response system for flood conditions that may develop somewhere in the province.
- The Provincial Watershed Conditions Statement provides information on provincial watershed conditions relative to the flood potential. The report also provides an outlook of expected spring flood conditions.
Types of Local Flood Messages
- Flood Warning indicates flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
- Flood Watch indicates the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.
- Watershed Conditions Statement indicates a potential for flooding or other conditions that pose a risk to personal safety, such as high flows, unsafe ice, and high lake levels. There are two types of statements:
- Water Safety indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions.
