Officials in Pembroke say water levels along the Ottawa River have reached minor flood levels and are expected to continue rising in the coming days.
The city said ongoing snowmelt in the northern portion of the Ottawa River is contributing to the increase, with additional rainfall forecast through the rest of the week and into the weekend.
Environment conditions are expected to bring up to 30 millimetres of rain by Sunday, which could further impact water levels.
Residents are being urged to take precautions to protect their properties, including the use of sandbags to help reduce potential flood damage.
City officials say sandbags should be filled only halfway to two-thirds full so they can be tightly packed and stacked in staggered rows to form a barrier. They also recommend placing plastic sheeting beneath and over the bags to improve water resistance and building walls wider than they are high, positioned slightly away from structures to reduce pressure on foundations.
The city is also reminding residents to use proper lifting techniques and wear gloves when handling sandbags to prevent injury.
Those in need of sand and bags are asked to contact the city’s operations department to arrange supplies.
(Steve Berard)
