The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has upgraded its flood watch for the Red Lake district to a flood warning. It will stay in effect until May 23 at the earliest.
Residents across the Red Lake area, including those near Dixie Lake, Suffel Lake, Longlegged Lake, Pakwash Lake, the Chukuni River, Coli Lake and the Berens Lake watersheds are asked to use extreme caution on roadways and bridges with the high water levels in the region and more rain on the way.
Residents are also asked to secure shoreline structures like boats and docks, as road and shoreline property damage can be expected. The MNRF says they’re continuing to closely monitor watershed conditions.
The Ministry says sandbags are available at the Public Works Garage between Monday and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Flood watches have also been issued in Kenora and Dryden, and the initial flood watch in Red Lake was issued on May 13. A watch is issued when conditions are favourable for a hazardous weather event, while a warning is issued when the event is imminent.