More Severe Rain Means More Floods!
Changes in precipitation and extreme weather because of climate change are likely to lead to an increase in flooding events in northern Ontario. Localized flooding can occur when water from a heavy rainstorm, rain on frozen ground, or rapid snow melt isn’t drained away from a community. Major flooding occurs when rivers and lakes overflow their banks because of runoff, rain or ice jams.
Here is what you and your community can do to prepare:
maintain good community drainage
drain water away from buildings
keep wetlands and natural spaces in the community
manage snow
avoid building on flood plains
help river ice melt to avoid ice jams
install water control structures
monitor and forecast flooding risk
create a community plan with flooding in mind
create an emergency plan
