Storm Tracker

The Flood Warning that was set to expire on May 23, 2022, for the Red Lake district, has been extended to June 3, 2022, by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry. 

The ministry’s definition of a Flood Warning is: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

This spring in northwestern Ontario has been unusual to say the least, as the region has seen 312 per cent more precipitation combined in April and May this year, than in the same time period last year.

So, why has it been so wet this spring in the region?

Well, Peter Kimbell, an Environment Canada Meteorologist says this unusual amount of precipitation is due to an early April snowstorm.

The video and pictures below come from Matt Kennedy of Upriver Media Inc.

They show the extensive flooding along Coker Road and were taken over the May long weekend.

The decision to stay in an evacuation zone is never an easy one and it comes with its own set of challenges.

Chantal Tycholiz and her family made the decision to stay in their home when the evacuation order was issued on Friday, May 13.

"We're a family of four with pets, and I didn't think my 120 pound dog would be accepted at the [Evacuation Shelter]," said Tycholiz noting that her home wasn't at risk of flooding.

Manitoba Environment, Climate and Parks is advising of a mandatory evacuation order and expanded closure area in the northern portion of Whiteshell Provincial Park effective May 24, 2022. Manitoba Parks continues to co-ordinate with Emergency Measures Organization and Manitoba Hydro in its preparedness and response.

As of 5:00 am Monday, May 23:

Flooding on HWY 71 Northbound at Mayburn Road has closed one lane. Traffic control is in place.

Quibell Road is closed, between Hwy 647 and Hwy 609. No transports are allowed, Passenger vehicles only. Signage in place. Use extreme caution.

Blue Lake Loop Road to Quibell Road is restricted to local traffic due to flooding.

Highway 105, from Highway 17 to Highway 609, is fully closed due to water over the road.

These photos and video of flooding at Vermilion Bay's Government Dock were taken on Saturday, May 21.

Lake of the Woods is expected to reach the 2014 peak early this week, according to the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB).

Inflow into Lake of the Woods is nearly double the maximum outflow that is being released through the fully opened dams in Kenora, as lakes upstream are at or higher than their 2014 peak.

The LWCB estimates that inflow into Lake of the Woods is over 2400 m³/s, while outflow from the fully opened dams in Kenora is estimated at 1292 m³/s.

Record levels of rain and snow in 2022 have led to flooding all across northwestern Ontario. These before and after photos and videos show the flooding along Eagle Lake in Vermilion Bay.

The video below showcases a deck under inches of water in May of 2022.

The video below was taken in 2021.

A number of residents north of the Kenora by-pass have been affected by the increasing water levels, forcing some to evacuate and others to stay home to protect their property.

Essex Road resident Lyle Sutherland and his family did what they could to protect their rental home, but eventually lost the battle on May 10, 2022, as their home was flooded and became unliveable.