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Ice jams, rainy forecast lead Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
to issue flood watch

   NewCBC News | Posted: April 17, 2026 8:10 PM | Last Updated:
   Just now

   Flood watch in effect for O'Connor, Gillies, Oliver Paipoonge

   Image | flood watch 2

   Caption: A flood watch has been issued for the Whitefish River
   watershed, including the townships of O'Connor and Gillies, and
   the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge. (Lakehead Region
   Conservation Authority/Facebook)
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   A flood watch has been issued for areas around Thunder Bay,
   Ont.
   The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) issued the
   flood watch on Friday. It's in effect for the Whitefish River
   watershed, including the townships of O'Connor and Gillies, and
   the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge.
   "Ice jamming has been reported and observed on the Whitefish
   River, causing a blockage to the flow of water down the river,"
   the LRCA said in a media release.
   "There is significant snowpack in the rural areas leading to an
   increase in snowmelt as the temperatures rise. Area
   watercourses including the Whitefish River are beginning to
   increase in volume and flow due to the increased runoff from
   the snowmelt."
   In addition, the LRCA said there's potential for five to 10
   millimetres of precipitation over the next 24 hours.
     * Lakehead Region Conservation Authority issues flood outlook
       for region

   People are advised to use caution when driving in the affected
   area, as the rising water could flood roads.
   The public is advised to never drive through a flooded road, to
   pay attention to forecasts, and be careful in and around
   waterways in the area, as high flows and slippery banks could
   be dangerous.
   People are also advised to keep children and pets away from
   waterways.
   The LRCA said the flood watch is expected to remain in effect
   until 10 a.m. ET Monday.

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