Risk of local flooding following spring storm

The Rideau River remains under a flood watch following a strong spring storm that tormented eastern Ontario over the weekend.

According to Environment Canada, the Ottawa Airport saw 25 cm of snow Friday into Saturday followed by freezing rain Saturday night moving into Sunday.

As of Monday morning at 11 a.m. Ottawa is sitting at 8 C, with a high for the day expected to reach 12 C. That means all of the weekend’s accumulation is doomed to melt.

“With the uncertainty of the temperature, precipitation types and accumulation in the forecast, additional melt and/or rainfall may contribute to further increases in water levels and flows,” the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) said in a news release.

The conservation authority said the watch will be in effect until April 4, unless an update is provided.

The OPP East Region is also reminding drivers to slow down and drive carefully as flooding could impact local and major roadways.

In a nine hour period Saturday morning, the force responded to nearly 70 collisions, most ending with vehicles in the ditch.

Just because the ice is no longer present, does not mean the risk is over. OPP say increased water on the roads can cause wheels to spin out or even hydroplaning is drivers are driving too fast. They also caution drivers to look out for potholes and other low-lying areas.

The rain is expected to stop early in the afternoon before returning overnight. Temperatures are expected to drop Tuesday into Wednesday.