Flood Watch issued for July 17, 2026

Message # 2026-015
Issued:  4:15 p.m., Friday July 17, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 
Flood Watch for the Water Safety for local watercourses 
Watershed Condition Statement – Trent Severn-Waterway

Environment Canada is forecasting significant rainfall over the next 48 hours, with forecasts calling for approximately 30 mm of rain and the potential for an additional 40 to 75 mm on Saturday due to embedded thunderstorms.    

Water levels and flows in local watercourses are currently below seasonal and ground conditions are dry, allowing for absorption of expected showers. However, if intense thunderstorms occur, precipitation may be delivered at a rate faster than can be absorbed by the soil, causing surface runoff to occur almost immediately after the storm begins. This could lead to localized flooding and as a result, a FLOOD WATCH is in effect for local watercourses. 

Due to the large size of the Kawartha Lakes - Otonabee River - Rice Lake - Trent River watershed, is not expected to significantly respond to the forecasted rainfall/thunderstorm events. As a result, a WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is in effect for the Trent-Severn Watershed.

There may be safety risks due to the potential for increased flows and residents are reminded to stay away from shorelines. Stay informed by monitoring weather updates and water levels, or subscribe on our website to receive flood messages directly.

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 Conservation website

This FLOOD WATCH & WATERSHED CONDITION STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY message will expire Monday, July 20, 2026, at 3 p.m., unless up-dated earlier.

Gordon Earle | Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 214
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9