Flood waters continue to rise along Rideau River

Water levels continue to rise on the Rideau River as the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says warmer temperatures and rain are expected overnight.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says water levels are expected to increase 10-15 cm over the next 24 to 36 hours in Old Ottawa South, whichmeansfloodingcould happen onRideauRiver Drive betweenFentimanand Belmont Avenues.

The City of Ottawa is asking residents keep children away from wading pools near rivers as a rise in water levels has resulted in water backups at these wading pools. The water in the pools cannot be drained and water levels two to three feet deep poses a hazard to young children, the city said.

Water levels could also rise 10-15 cmin the Long Reach stretch of the Rideau River fromManoticktoBeckett'sLanding.

The conservation authority said the Long Reach has seen "a significant increase in water level and residents can expect more as runoff continues to enter the system."

Residences downstream such as those on Fairmile Road, Fennell Lane, Harris Road, Lannin Lane and Lorne Bridge Road can also expect to see water on the roads over the next two days, the conservation authority said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

"Widespread flooding of agricultural lands in the upper reaches of Kemptville Creek has been reported, and portions of Diamond Road, Branch Road and other local roads in Augusta Township are inundated," the authority said in its statement.

Beckett's Landing flooded

In Beckett's Landing, one of the families has left, while other people like Karen Mulder are getting around in rubber boots.

"We don't have to canoe yet but I'm ready just in case," said Mulder.

River water is also creeping ever closer to Mark Muzerie's home.

"[I'm a] little concerned, for sure. It's getting close. If it gets any closer I'll be sandbagging. That's for sure. Won't be long," said Muzerie.

"Residents in those low-lying communities should consider alternative arrangements," the conservation authority said.

Meanwhile, the South Nation Conservation Authority, which covers a large area east and south of Ottawa, updated its flood watch on Thursday and said several ice jams are moving from Casselman to Plantagenet and said there may be some localized flooding.