Storm Tracker

The Lake of the Woods Control Board is forecasting the level of the Lake of the Woods is expected to rise by 22 to 30 cm (9-12 in) over the next week, which could exceed levels seen in 2014.

A May 11 report, states that the current forecast for the lake level is approaching the 2014 peak of 323.78 m (1062.2 ft). They say that with the expected rise over the next week, LOTW may exceed the 2014 peak water level in May if the wet weather conditions continue.

As of 6:00am Thursday, May 12:

Highway 641, Laclu,  is now fully open.

Highway 105 is now open between Ear Falls and Red Lake following a 5-day closure. But, the Highway just north of Vermilion Bay remains closed between highways 17 and 609 and a number of highways and roads remain closed this morning due to significant flooding.

Hwy 17, Vermilion Bay, Near Rhyner's Rd , there is water over the road. Traffic control is in place with a pilot vehicle. A detour is available for smaller vehicles.

Many residents north of the Kenora By-pass are at risk of being cut off or even stranded, due to significant high water levels causing a lot of roadways to be washed out or completely submerged in water.

Kenora Fire Chief, Kent Readman is advising residents to create an evacuation plan, as their access could be washed out quickly and without warning.

The City of Kenora says their road divisions continue to work with the challenging water levels and will be trying to repair one of their more vulnerable roads on Thursday (May 12, 2022)

On Thursday, city crews, with assistance from local contractors, will be working on the East Melick and Essex Road intersection. Traffic will still be permitted through the area, but please expect delays.

As the flooding conditions in Kenora continue to worsen on rural roads in the area, the city is providing sandbags to residents to pick up and fill.

Residents in need of sandbags can receive them at Fire Hall Station 1, 100 14th Street North. Additional sand is available just down from the Fire Hall on 14th Street North, near the city’s Operations Centre.

Environment Canada is forecasting yet another rain system to sweep through northwestern Ontario beginning on Wednesday evening (May 11, 2022).

They are predicting local rainfall amounts could be anywhere from 25-50 mm over the next two days.

“We are looking at more unsettled weather, more rain, really two rounds of rain,” says Gerald Cheng, Environment Canada Meteorologist. “The first round will come tonight, so starting this evening going into Thursday morning (May 12, 2022).”

“Another round from Thursday evening into Friday morning (May 13, 2022),” adds Cheng.

Residents of Pickle Lake have been cut off, as the Ministry of Transportation has reported that Highway 599 is closed due to a washout 15 kilometres south of the community. 

There has been no word from the MTO if a detour is in place or an estimated timeline on when the highway will reopen. 

Highway 599 follows a number of highways and roadways in the region that have closed as a result of flooding.  

More rain is on the way to the area, as Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning for the Kenora, and Dryden areas. 

They are forecasting that local levels could be anywhere from 25-50 millimetres of rain from Wednesday night (May 11, 2022) until Thursday evening (May 12, 2022). The ground is already saturated, and has little ability to absorb further rainfall. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. 

Many roads and parts of highways are closed due to the significant flooding in the region.

As of 6:00am Wednesday, May 11:

Hwy 605, Dryden, is fully closed due to multiple locations with water over the road.

Hwy 17, Vermilion Bay, Near Rhyner's Rd both lanes are blocked due to water over the road.

Hwy 105 to Red Lake remains closed in many areas.

Hwy 105, Red Lake, approximately 20 km south of Red Lake the highway is fully closed in both directions due to a washout.

Due to the increased flooding risk in the area, the City of Kenora, with the recommendation of their Municipal Emergency Control Group, has declared a local state of emergency in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 1990. 

This state of emergency will allow the city the potential opportunity to access provincial assistance with the situation.