Otonabee Conservation Releases New Floodplain Mapping Studies To Better Predict Flood Paths In The Area

Otonabee Conservation has undertaken extensive floodplain mapping projects in seven high priority areas within the Otonabee Region watershed.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Floodplain mapping has been created in study areas within Meade, Curtis, Jackson, and Baxter Creeks, North and South Kawartha Lakes, Ouse River in Norwood, and for several tributaries around Lakefield.

The objective of floodplain mapping is to identify the areas expected to be inundated during extreme high-water events.

Floodplain maps use data and technical models to predict the path of floodwaters—the area known as the floodplain. A floodplain map does not create a flooding hazard, it simply shows where the flooding will occur.

A map of the floodplain helps to determine where new buildings may be located and if a property is at risk during a flood or storm event.

“We will use the new floodplain maps to help protect property and human life,” explains Don Allin, acting manager of Plan Review and Permitting Services at Otonabee Conservation, “Our eight partner municipalities will also use floodplain maps to help direct future development outside the floodplain and by integrating them into municipal official plans we will all help to mitigate the risks of developing inside areas that are prone to flooding.”

Property and homeowners can also use floodplain maps to see if they may be affected by the floodplain. By searching their address, anyone can see if the property in question is at risk during a flood or storm event and in some cases, property owners may need to take measures to protect existing buildings from flooding.

Otonabee Conservation is hosting a Virtual Floodplain Mapping Public Information Centre (PIC) is from March 9 to April 9, to encourage questions and feedback from watershed residents about new floodplain mapping projects. To participate in the PIC

• View Otonabee Conservation’s Floodplain Mapping Story Map

• Search by address on the online Interactive Floodplain Map

• Review Frequently Asked Questions

• Submit any further questions or comments to Otonabee Conservation

Visit otonabeeconservation.com for more information about the new 2022 floodplain mapping.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Police Urge Residents To Drive With Caution During Late Season Winter Storm

After reports of icy conditions in the area on Wednesday morning, Peterborough Police released a statement urging drivers to use caution when travelling.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In an unusual late season storm threatens for more snow across southern Ontario Wednesday through Friday road conditions are unpredictable.

There is a possibility of freezing rain Wednesday morning.

Police suggest allowing for extra time before going anywhere and keeping a safe distance between vehicles.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Flood Watch In Peterborough Area In Anticipation Of Up To 25 Millimeters Of Rain

Otonabee Conservation has issued a flood watch for all water bodies in the Peterborough area.

Affected areas include the Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

After experiencing a low-pressure trough that brought warm air temperatures, rain, and snowmelt to the Region last week, we will experience similar weather conditions on Tuesday as a Texas Low Pressure system passes over Southern Ontario. Air temperatures will soar to 6 degrees Celsius, and the system will deliver 20-25 millimetres of rain, possibly heavy at times.

Rain on snow on frozen ground will cause already above-normal water levels/flows to increase even more, possibly resulting in overbank flooding. However, if water levels do rise enough as to exceed channel capacity, it is expected to only do so in low-lying areas and to cause only nuisance level flooding. Ice cover break-up is not expected and flooding due to ice jams is also not expected. Wednesday, will see the system gone from the Region and a return to seasonal air temperatures.

Area residents can expect ponding of water in low-lying areas because frozen ground conditions will prevent absorption, followed by the freezing of this water as the air temperatures change back to below zero. Also, ponding will occur around culverts and drainage basins that are blocked due to snow, ice and/or debris. Residents and businesses along the shores of area waterbodies and watercourses, especially those located in low-lying areas, are strongly encouraged to keep a close watch for possible flooding and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Adults, parents, and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children, and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts, and bridges).

Water levels can be monitored on-line at:

1) Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2) Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data

3) Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

This flood watch will expire Thursday unless otherwise noted.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Freezing Rain Warning In Peterborough Area Monday Night

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the Peterborough area in anticipation of freezing rain occurring Monday night through Tuesday night.

The Special Weather statement is in effect in Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Halliburton and Hastings County.

Freezing rain is expected to begin Monday night and continue into Tuesday, with rain during the day.

Flooding is possible. Road conditions are expected to become slippery.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Snowfall Warning Issued For Peterborough And Kawartha Area

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for most of the greater Kawarthas region for Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.

File Photo.

The snowfall warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Hastings County.

Precipitation will begin as rain Wednesday evening, with freezing rain and ice pellets possible Thursday morning and afternoon.

Snow will begin Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday morning. Total snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm are possible. As the track of the low pressure system remains uncertain, precipitation timing and amounts may change.

Travel is expected to become difficult as road conditions are unpredictable.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Flood Watch Issued For Peterborough Area In Anticipation Of Heavy Rainfall

A flood watch has been issued by Otonabee Conservation for all waterbodies and watercourses in the Peterborough region.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Areas that may be affected include Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

A low-pressure trough will bring soaring air temperatures reaching 6-7 degrees Celsius. Air temperatures will continue in this range over the next 36 to 48 hours ahead of an arriving cold front.

Also, ahead of the cold front is a total of 15 to 25 millimeters of rain. Depending on how the system tracks, there is a possibly that as much as 50 millimeters of rain will fall. As the cold front pushes into the region, there will be strong winds, a drop in air temperatures, and we will receive snowfall of 15 to 20 centimeters. This mix of vastly varying air temperatures, strong winds, differing forms of precipitation will make for messy conditions.

Uncertainty in total rainfall amounts translates to a possibility of flooding.

Current conditions include frozen ground covered by a snowpack that is 25-30 centimeters deep with a water content of 85-90 millimeters. Modelling of the warm air temperature/rain event shows 35-40 millimeters of rainfall/snowmelt will be available for run-off, possibly as much as 65 millimeters. However, the snowpack will absorb 5 to 10 per cent, helping to lessen the amount of rainfall/snowmelt to be released into area rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands. Ice cover break-up is not expected.

Water levels can be monitored on-line at:

1) Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2) Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data

3) Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

This flood watch will expire on Feb. 21.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Extreme Cold Weather Warning In Effect For Peterborough Area

Wind chill values are expected to drop to -30°C for Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Saturday and Sunday.

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for most the greater Kawarthas region for Saturday night into Sunday morning, and again for Sunday night into early Monday morning.

The extreme cold warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Hastings County.

Minimum low temperatures near -25°C with wind chill values near -30°C are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning for Peterborough County and Kawartha Lakes, with minimum low temperatures near -30°C and wind chill values near -35°C for Haliburton and Hastings counties.

Environment Canada suggest rescheduling outdoor events if possible.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Wiarton Willie Predicts An Early Spring On Groundhog Day

On Tuesday, Groundhog Day, Wiarton Willie decided that Ontario would see an early spring.

The character of Wiarton Willie has been present in South Bruce Peninsula for 65 years. Locals claim his prediction comes true every year.

Legend says that if the groundhog sees its shadow, it will be scared and return to its burrow. That means six more weeks of winter on the way.

If the groundhog stays outside it will be an early spring.

Groundhog Day is usually celebrated with a large crowd in Wiarton, though due to the pandemic this year the event was closed to the public.

While Willie decided it would be an early spring, Shubenacadie Sam, a groundhog from Nova Scotia, predicted the opposite.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Special Weather Statement To Bring Up To 20cm Of Snow This Week

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for Ontario, stating that Wednesday and Thursday could bring between 10 - 20cm of snow.

Snow is estimated to begin at 12 a.m. on Wednesday and continue until early Friday morning.

Tuesday night is expected to see about 1cm of snow, Wednesday night will bring about 5cm and Thursday 5-10cm.

Tuesday temperatures will range from feeling like -4 to -18. It will warm up Wednesday, feeling like -1 and drop again on Thursday with a temperature of -11.

The last special weather statement in the area was on Jan. 17 and brought with it close to 50cm of snow in some areas around Peterborough County.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Issues Sixth Frostbite Alert of the Season

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued its sixth frostbite alert this season as wind chill values are forecast to drop below -27°C from 10:00 p.m. Friday and last at least until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The first frostbite alert for Peterborough was issued on Jan. 7. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and everyone is encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. Extreme cold temperatures can particularly impact the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems and the marginally housed. There are various emergency shelters available overnight in the City of Peterborough.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Peterborough Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions: 

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. 

• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods. 

• Use caution when shovelling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shovelling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems. 

• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keeps you dry and further reduces your risk.

PPH has issued the following tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and a scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.

• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

• Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

• Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. Increases in other health problems can also be seen especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Peterborough Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found here or by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and searching for “extreme cold.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.