Crews Arrive From The US To Help Local Hydro And Forestry Workers After One Of The Most Deadly Wind Events In Canadas History

Crews crossed the border on Monday to assist crews already working to clean up from Saturday’s storm in Ontario, Hydro One announced on their social media pages.

According to Hydro One, in the first 24 hours after destructive thunderstorms passed through the province, Hydro One crews have restored power to more than 360,000 customers throughout its affected areas in Ontario, with over 226,000 customers that remain without power.

Damage includes at least 800 broken poles, and just as many downed power lines, along with countless trees and large branches causing power outages.

This is Caleb. He is one of almost 100 hydro workers here from Alabama. Thank you very much gentlemen for coming to ⁦@CityPtbo⁩ to help us out. “200 poles to do and none of them are easy”. I wish all of you a safe, productive day. We are grateful 🥹 pic.twitter.com/QTisN7xRMO

— Councillor Lesley Parnell (@LesleyParnell) May 24, 2022

According to The Weather Network, Saturday’s storm was a Derecho. The term derecho is Spanish for "straight head" as most of the associated wind damage is the result of straight-line winds that blast out of the storm, as opposed to tornadoes that spin.

The Weather Network reported Saturday’s derecho was one of the most destructive and deadly wind events in Canada’s history.

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Freezing Rain Expected In Peterborough Wednesday

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Peterborough and surrounding areas for freezing rain on Wednesday.

Stock Photo.

Freezing rain with ice accretion of 2 to 5 mm is possible, beginning Wednesday morning into the evening.

Freezing rain is expected to change to rain Wednesday afternoon or evening, 10 - 20 mm are possible. Flooding is possible.

In addition to rain and freezing rain, wind may reach 60 km/h, power outages are a possibility.

Road conditions are expected to be dangerous, it is suggested residents only drive if necessary and use caution.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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