Flood warning issued for Lower Ottawa River, impacting Ottawa community
Prepare for some serious water action! The Lower Ottawa River's blossoming into a flood zone, and it's not just a drizzle we're talking about! The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has sounded the alarm, extending the danger zone from Arnprior to our very own Ottawa, and ending at Hawkesbury.
According to the conservation society, the recent torrents of rain and snowmelt have put a solid spin on the Ottawa River, with levels and flows gradually taking a steep incline. You might wanna brace yourself for more rain and melty goodness in the near future.
As we speak, minor flood levels have been sashayed past in most areas between Pembroke and Britannia, with a distinct possibility of some places diving headfirst into major flooding as of Friday. Keep your eyes peeled by Monday, as the high water levels are expected to linger on.
But hey, don't fret just yet! The flood levels are currently 55-80 cm below the biblical 2019 highs and dainty compared to 2023 peaks. Two peas in a pod, right?
Want some extra deets? As of May 2, 2025, the flooding extends beyond Pembroke and Britannia. From Gatineau (Hull Marina) to Hawkesbury, it's already minors that have breezed past the threshold, but peak levels are forecasted to steer clear of the major flood limit. So at least there's a silver lining.
And here's the skinny: Elevated water levels won't be tucking in and calling it a day on May 5. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board drops a truth bomb stating that minor flooding still essentially reigns in most zones, with some areas teetering on the brink of reaching major flood levels. So get your towels ready, mate.
Towns such as Lake Coulonge, Chats Lake, Britannia, Pointe-Gatineau, Cumberland, Clarence-Rockland, and Hawkesbury are all in the trenches, battling this watery ordeal.
Now buckle up, and stay dry, my friends. This is a ride you don't wanna miss!
[1] https://www.rvca.ca/news/10123/flood-update-may-2nd-2025[2] https://www.ottawamississaugaefva.ca/River_Levels/[3] https://www.ottawamississaugaefva.ca/Flood_Information/2025MayFlood/Pages/default.aspx[4] https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/water-security-drought/flood-forecast-central-ontario.html
- The Lower Ottawa River, which originally wasn't a flood zone, has transformed into one due to excessive rain and snowmelt in 2025, extending from Arnprior to Toronto, and ending at Hawkesbury.
- The conservation authority has issued a warning, predicting that minor flooding will continue until at least May 5, with some areas teetering on the brink of reaching major flood levels.
- The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board expects minor flooding to linger in most zones even after May 5, with peak levels forecasted for some zones beyond Pembroke and Britannia, particularly Gatineau (Hull Marina) to Hawkesbury, by May 2, 2025.
- Various towns along the Ottawa River are battling this watery ordeal, including Lake Coulonge, Chats Lake, Britannia, Pointe-Gatineau, Cumberland, Clarence-Rockland, and Hawkesbury.
