Flood Risk - April 15th, 2026

Flood Risk for the Ottawa River 

April 15th, 2026 

The Ottawa River Regulating Committee has issued a press release warning of an increasing flood risk along the Ottawa River from Mattawa to the Montreal Region.

According to the release, water levels and flows along the main stem of the Ottawa River are expected to increase and may exceed flood levels in some flood prone areas depending on weather. Residents are advised to monitor the river conditions forecast at www.ottawariver.ca

Links to on-line flooding resources:

Get your home ready for a flood

  • Make sure you secure or protect any hazards in your home before the flood strikes.
  • Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
  • If you don't already have one, buy a fire extinguisher . Make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
  • For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.

Emergency Kit

Make sure you and your family have enough safe food and water (for drinking, cooking, bathing, etc.). Your emergency kit should have everything you and your household would need to be safe and take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately following an emergency.  

The following list includes some essential items to have in your emergency kit:

  • food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for three days) and a manual can opener
  • bottled or bagged water (4 litres per person for each day) and backup water purification tablets
  • medication(s)
  • toilet paper and other personal items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
  • personal protective equipment (PPE) such as medical masks and respirators
  • back up chargers and power banks for cell phone or mobile device
  • cash in small bills
  • portable light source such as a flashlight, headlamp or glow stick
  • radio (crank or battery-run)
  • extra batteries
  • first-aid kit
  • candles and matches/lighter
  • hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
  • important papers such as a copy of your emergency plan, identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.
  • extra car and house keys
  • whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
  • zip-lock bag (to keep things dry)
  • garbage bags and duct tape

More information can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency#section-2