Kawartha Lakes under flood warning as rivers threaten to overflow
Gull River expected to continue rising through Sunday morning, officials report
Communities in Kawartha Lakes remain under flood warnings tonight as area rivers continue to swell.
Flooding has been reported in some areas along the Gull River, and its water levels are expected to peak sometime in the next 24 hours, officials said late Saturday.
The Black River is expected to peak on Sunday but is not likely to cause any additional flooding, according to a statement from the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Water levels on the Burnt River also rose on Saturday, but officials said earlier in the day they appeared to have already peaked.
2 dozen roads closed
Sections of more than two dozen roads in the Bobcaygeon, Coboconk and Burnt River areas have been closed due to their chances of flooding or washouts.
Kawartha Lakes said it has amassed roughly 2,500 sandbags that residents can use to barricade those properties most likely to be affected by flooding.
The snowfall and cooler weather predicted for Sunday should help stabilize the water levels then, the city said earlier in the day.
Residents are being asked to gather any prescription drugs or medicine they might need in case of evacuation, to pack their IDs and important documents, and to pack supplies for their pets.
Hunstville and Bracebridge also reported flooding, but a Huntsville fire official said it did not compare to the washouts in 2013.
That spring, seven Ontario communities — from Kawartha Lakes to Muskoka — declared a state of emergency after severe flooding submerged numerous roads in the region.