Flood Watch & Shoreline Hazard Update - April 10, 2026

The Township of Ramara is advising residents that multiple flood-related alerts are currently in effect across the region:

• The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has issued a Flood Watch for the Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District until April 17, 2026
• The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has issued a Shoreline Hazard Watch – HIGH Risk for the Lake Simcoe watershed until April 24, 2026

These notices apply to areas including Ramara, Severn, Tiny, and Tay, as well as the Severn and Black Rivers (including Washago), Sparrow Lake, Lake St. John, and the Lake Simcoe shoreline.

Current Conditions

Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions are present across the region due to recent precipitation, snowmelt, and saturated ground conditions. Water levels in lakes and rivers remain elevated and are expected to continue rising.

Forecasts indicate:

• Up to 45–50+ mm of rainfall over the next 5 days
• Warmer temperatures accelerating snowmelt and runoff
• Strong winds shifting this weekend, increasing the risk of storm surge and wave action, particularly along the northeast shoreline of Lake Simcoe

River flows, particularly along the Severn River system, remain elevated, and water levels are expected to stay high and fast-flowing as runoff continues to move through the watershed.

Potential Impacts

• Flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas
• Elevated water levels and fast-flowing rivers and streams
• Shoreline flooding, wave action, and possible storm surge/seiche effects
• Reduced drainage capacity due to high lake levels
• Impacts to properties near watercourses and shorelines

Safety and Preparedness

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution around all waterbodies:

• Stay well back from shorelines, rivers, and fast-moving water
• No ice is safe ice – avoid all waterbodies with ice cover
• Keep children and pets away from waterways
• Be aware of unstable banks and changing conditions

Residents in historically flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions to protect property and secure belongings, and continue to monitor conditions closely.

Township crews are actively monitoring conditions and addressing drainage issues where possible. Any impacts to roadways or municipal infrastructure will be shared on the Township website and social media channels. A reminder that sandbags are not provided by the Township unless a municipal emergency is declared.

Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding.

Learn more:

https://www.lsrca.on.ca

www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre

www.ramara.ca/EmergencyManagement

www.ontario.ca/floods