Heed the flood alert on the Ottawa River. Here are the crucial points:

Warning: Flooding Alerts Along Ottawa River

For those living near the Ottawa River between Lac Coulonge and Arnprior, brace yourself—flooding is imminent. According to recent reports from local authorities, the rising water levels and flows are due to rainfall and warmer temperatures melting the snowpack.

Pembroke District expects water levels to surpass the flooding threshold by April 25. Low-lying areas and those already experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect these conditions to persist. Even though the predicted levels won't reach the 2019 historical high, precautions are necessary.

flood warning will be in effect until May 2.

Steps to Take

Residents in flood-prone areas, particularly Lake Coulonge, Chats Lake, and downstream communities, are advised to heed the following precautions:

Stay away from unstable riverbanks.
Keep a close eye on children near water bodies.
Monitor the evolving conditions.

Low-lying areas in the Whitewater Region have already experienced overland flooding, as per Mayor Neil Nicholson's Facebook update. The township does not foresee any impacts on municipal roads. Concerned residents can arrange for sandbags by contacting the township at 613-646-2282 during office hours or 613-647-3333 after-hours.

Laurentian Valley is also offering sandbags to residents. Flooding reports and requests can be directed to the Township Office at 613-735-6291 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, or to the after-hours emergency number at 613-735-6070 or 1-855-539-7611.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) and local authorities are staying vigilant, closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Updates will be shared as necessary.

To stay informed about road closures caused by flooding, visit municipal511.ca.

Note: As of May 1, 2025, minor flood levels have been observed in Lake Coulonge, Pembroke, and Britannia, with levels in Mattawa and Chats Lake (Arnprior's vicinity) expected to reach minor flood thresholds by May 1. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) and local authorities report that, while water levels remain below historical flood thresholds on the main Ottawa River stem, residents should pay heed to municipal alerts and ORRPB updates.

Weather along the Ottawa River is a significant concern due to impending flooding, especially for residents between Lac Coulonge and Arnprior.
Despite the flooding not expected to reach the 2019 historical high, necessary precautions, such as staying away from unstable riverbanks and keeping a close eye on children near water bodies, should be followed.
In flood-prone areas like Lake Coulonge, residents can arrange for sandbags by contacting the township at 613-646-2282 during office hours or 613-647-3333 after-hours.
Laurentian Valley is offering sandbags to residents, and flooding reports and requests can be directed to the Township Office at 613-735-6291 or the after-hours emergency number at 613-735-6070 or 1-855-539-7611.
As for the political aspect, local authorities and the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) are staying vigilant, closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions, and updates will be shared as necessary.
In terms of business, it's crucial to stay informed about road closures caused by flooding, which can be found on municipal511.ca.
Lastly, on the environmental and science front, the increased flooding could have potential impacts on the local ecosystem, making it essential to consider the environmental-science aspect as well. It might be crucial for scientists to study the environmental effects of this flooding eventoving forward.