Flood Warning Pembroke District

Ottawa River – From Pembroke to Arnprior

Wednesday, May 20, 2026   3:00pm

The Ministry of Natural Resources– Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect for areas along the Ottawa River from Pembroke to Arnprior, most noticeably in the Westmeath area, through Friday, May 22, 2026 (if not updated/replaced).

Water levels and flows from Pembroke to Arnprior have stabilized and are expected to continue declining. Spring runoff remains elevated in the northern part of the basin; however, conditions have generally stabilized. As runoff from the northern basin continues to move downstream, water levels will remain elevated along the main stem of the river.

Minor flood levels are expected to persist in some flood-prone areas most notably in the Westmeath region.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures, such as; protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes, closely monitor developing conditions, and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions, further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Daytime temperatures are consistently between 10 to 20 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are expected to be between 0 and 10 degrees, with warmer temperatures expected later in the week.

No precipitation is forecasted throughout the remainder of the week, until this weekend.

Description of Current Conditions

The MNR continues to closely monitor local lakes, rivers and weather conditions.

Levels and flows on the Ottawa River from Pembroke to Arnprior are expected to remain elevated due to spring runoff from the northern parts of the basin as well as continued warm temperatures.

Those areas currently experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect these conditions to continue. A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements, and warnings is recommended.

DEFINITIONS

• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

LEARN MORE

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada is recommended.

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Aaron Foss, Pembroke District Office, 613-291-3613                                                                                          ontario.ca/mnr