The city says it’s prepared as it can be if another flood comes.
While a lot of forecasted rain missed Thunder Bay, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is still issuing a flood watch.
Mayor Keith Hobbs said staff remains at the Atlantic Avenue Sewage treatment plant 24 hours a day and pumps are being placed strategically throughout the city should 60 millimetres of rain come down.
“We’re still in a state of alert, a state of readiness,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs encouraged those concerned to bring their valuables to higher ground and to keep away from water.
“Those banks are unstable. If we do get some flooding we don’t want any death or serious injury we escaped that last time and we want to keep that safety record intact,” Hobbs said.
People should have a plan in place should flooding happen again.
“Residents need to flood proof themselves as well so have a contingency plan.”
Because the ground is still saturated with water, the LRCA warn that 60 millimetres of rain could result in flash floods.
“Were’ praying that that system is going to be keeping to the south of us and that’s the way it appears to be tracking right now,” Hobbs said.
Rainfall predictions were less than originally thought but because storm systems are unpredictable, LRCA chair Donna Blunt said the flood watch will continue.
“We are continuing the flood watch just because there’s potential the thunderstorms are coming and you can never predict where they’re going to land and where the heavy rainfall is going to occur,” she said. “Downpours could happen in short spurts.”
Blunt said because anything can happen, residents should be prepared.
Below is the Ministry of Natural Resources flood rating system with some brief explanations:
Normal: Conditions are within normal limits. No flooding is expected.
Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions.
Flood Watch: Indicates that there is the potential for flooding within specific watercourses and municipalities.
Flood Warning: Indicates that the flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
