With the flooding in neighbouring municipalities so high in the news, North Bay residents are now rushing to prepare for expected higher water levels on Lake Nipissing.
The city has given out about 5,000 sandbags so far says Gord Young, Communications officer. "Public Works is also filling and stockpiling bags for quick distribution in case they’re needed," he added.
The area is expected to get an additional 30 to 50 millimeters of rain before today's storm ends and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority is warning there is still the potential for much higher water levels on Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River.
"Lake Nipissing could rise another 22cm (9") and the Mattawa River could climb another 43cm (17") due to the snowmelt in the northern watersheds and the 30-55mm of rain in the forecast," according to today’s updated Flood Warning, which has been extended to May 15.
"Lake Nipissing is currently at elevation 196.37m near North Bay, and is forecasted to continue to rise until its peak in approximately two weeks. Water level forecasts estimate that Lake Nipissing could reach or exceed elevation 196.59m by next week, which is approximately 22cm (9 inches) over its current elevation.
In addition to Public Works on Franklin Street, sandbag filling stations are open at Sunset Park at the end of Sunset Boulevard and Champlain Park at the end of Premier Road. The stations will be open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Sand and sandbags are provided free but there is a limited supply of sandbags so residents are asked to only take what they need.