Rising water levels expected across region; outdoor skating called unsafe

Three Eastern Ontario conservation groups are warning of rising water levels in rivers and lakes this week, thanks to mild weather and expected rain.

Authorities are warning residents of potential "nuisance flooding" in low-lying areas of the South Nation River. High water levels and slippery banks present potential dangers to residents along the river and its tributaries, according to South Nation Conservation.

The South Nation River flows northeast for 175 kilometres from its headwaters north of Brockville to the Ottawa River near Plantagenet. Its watershed covers 3,900 square kilometers.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority does not expect major flooding in the Rideau River watershed. But the group warned that ice jamming at bridges and culverts along smaller streams could cause runoff and localized floods.

People have also been advised to stay off ice-covered waterways.

Quinte Conservation has told residents south of Highway 7 to expect high water levels in creeks, streams, and tributaries of the Moira, Salmon, and Napanee rivers.

Up to 25 millimetres of rain is expected across Eastern Ontario Wednesday night and into Thursday. Ottawa's low temperature overnight is forecast at 5 C.

In Ottawa, the Rideau Canal remained closed to skaters on Wednesday for a second consecutive day, but should be operating by the weekend.

Skating rinks and sledding hills supervised by the City of Ottawa also remain closed due to unsafe conditions. Skaters and sledding fans are being urged to stay away until further notice.

Updated rink conditions are available at the City of Ottawa's website or by calling [phone] ext. 37017.

Winterlude activities at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau also remain off-limits until Friday because of the warm weather.