The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has issued a flood watch for the Timmins district.
The advisory is in effect until Friday, May 3.
“Residents in and around Minisinakwa Lake including Gogama should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast moving rivers and streams. Residents are advised that there is a potential risk of flooding in the coming days,” reads the notice.
According to the MNRF, the low pressure system that moved through the province recently brought 20 to 25 mm of rain to the Timmins and Gogama area. That rainfall turned to snow overnight.
“Over the past week, water levels and flows in some of the district’s watersheds have risen sharply and are still rising due to warmer temperatures and melting of the snowpack,” said the MNRF.
“Forecasted precipitation over the next few days is minimal however the impact of the recent rain event coupled with continuous snow melt is not yet realized as water makes its way through the watershed.”
Late last week, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) issued a flood warning for Porcupine Lake and Mattagami River.
In South Porcupine, several roads have been closed as the water level rises and spills onto the streets.
Timmins Police has also issued a traffic advisory, asking people to respect the road closures.
“Any persons found operating a motor vehicle on a closed roadway will, depending on the circumstance, be issued with an Offence Notice under the section 134 (3) of the Highway Traffic Act which carries, upon conviction, a fine of $110 and the demerit points,” said police.