Storm Tracker

2022 continues to be a record-breaking year for the watershed.

According to the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB), April and May 2022 have been the wettest on record. 272 mm of precipitation fell in April and May, well above the 120-year median of 122 mm.

The later snowmelt and higher levels of precipitation in 2022 have led to unprecedented flooding across the region.

It's been another above-average month in terms of rainfall and precipitation in the Kenora area.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Peter Kimbell says May's average rainfall in the Kenora area is usually about 80 mm, but we almost doubled that this year with 156 mm.

“The total rainfall at the Kenora Airport for the month of may was 156.5 mm. It was a very wet month, but not a record, however. They recorded 207 mm back in 2007. A lot of rain this month. Double the normal, but shy of the record.”

The community of Fort Frances is still recovering after being pelted with a severe thunderstorm, rainfall and a tornado warning on Monday night.

While the tornadoes may have instead made their way towards the Dryden area, a number of streets and areas in the Fort Frances community are now experiencing severe flooding and washouts from the rainfall.

A flood watch has been issued for residents on a number of roads in the Laurenson's Lake, Mink Bay, and Winnipeg River areas of Kenora.

Residences on Sedesky Road, Wildwood Drive, West Bay Road, and Second West Bay Road be aware of rising water levels.

The city says, "residents should closely monitor the water levels on roads they travel in these areas, as the flood watch could be escalated to a recommended evacuation or evacuation order at any time."

Early indications show that lake levels have continued to rise this week with the recent rainfall the region continues to receive, and levels are expected to remain high for several more weeks.

The Lake of the Woods Control Board says Lake of the Woods has now reached 323.85 metres or about 1062.5 ft, and it’s expected to rise by another 6” to 8” over the coming days.

Meteorologists are investigating the possibility of multiple tornadoes touching down in the Dryden area during Monday night’s severe storm, which had recorded wind gusts as high as 105 km/h.

As of 6:00am Tuesday, May 31:

Hwy 502 - Dryden, South of Century Rd. one lane blocked due to a down tree. Traffic control in place. Please use caution in the area.

Hwy 600 is closed between Fern's Rd and Berg Rd due to a washout. Detour is available from Berg's Rd to Split Rock Rd.

Blue Lake Loop Road – Vermilion Bay, between Hwy 647 Jct and Quibell Rd is closed. Traffic control in place. Use extreme caution in the area.

— Update —

The tornado warning has ended.

— Original Story —

A severe thunderstorm watch and rainfall warning have been issued for the region.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.

A line of dangerous thunderstorms is forecast to move into Ontario early this evening, persist through the evening hours and weaken overnight. The main threats are damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h, dime to ping pong ball sized hail, and heavy downpours.

A Special Weather Statement remains in effect in northwestern Ontario, which is still calling for a significant amount of rainfall this week.

Environment Canada’s statement says we could see up to 50 mm of rain today and tonight, with another storm set to move in from Minnesota by tonight or tomorrow morning. They say the second storm could bring an additional 40 mm.