A Flood Watch has been issued for all municipalities in the Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds. A Flood Watch means that flooding is possible but not imminent or certain.
Temperatures are forecast to reach a daytime high of 5°C today, before continuing to rise overnight to a high of approximately 16°C on Saturday. Significant snowmelt is expected to begin tonight and continue through Sunday. In addition, weather forecasts indicate 10-30 mm of rainfall during the overnight hours with the possibility of embedded thunderstorms, which could lead to localized higher rainfall totals.
Even without additional rainfall, river levels could reach those experienced during the December 2008 event. Water levels are expected to rise rapidly throughout Saturday, likely exceeding bankfull and resulting in riverine flooding beyond typical low-lying areas. Current projections suggest peak flows may occur between Sunday morning and Monday night, with elevated flows potentially continuing into Wednesday for downstream portions of the watershed.
We encourage municipal officials to check drainage systems, monitor low-lying and flood prone roads and prepare for road closures. We remind everyone that slippery and unstable streambanks and fast-moving cold water will create hazardous conditions around all watercourses.
Maitland Conservation staff are monitoring watershed conditions and will upgrade to a Flood Warning if conditions warrant.
This message is in place until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday March 11, 2026.
Contact:
Jeff Winzenried, Flood Forecasting Supervisor
jwinzenried@mvca.on.ca