Laval prepares for more flooding

Residents along Lavals waterfront are preparing for moreflooding with water levels in the Mille-les River,Riviredes Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnesexpected to rise.

A possible 20 millimetres of rain, Monday's high temperatures and lingering surface ice on both rivers and Lac des Deux Montagnes have public safety authorities watching water levels around Lavalclosely.

They are likely to rise on Monday, saysConst.NathalieLorrain of the Laval police.

• How to prepare for a flood
• Flood safety tips
• Weather forecast for the Greater Montreal area

Some flooding is already evident instreets and on properties along the rivers, but houses have been spared so far, Lorrainsaid.

More water is also coming Lavals way via the Outaouais River, which is running high. The river flowsinto Lac des Deux Montagnes, which feeds both theMille-llesRiver and Riviredes Prairies.

Adding to theflood riskin Laval is river ice that refuses to melt,which Lorrain saidis unusual for this time of year.

Water is flowing under the ice, which could lead to ice-jams and flooding when the ice does break.

To help residents prepare, Lavals emergency coordination authorities have set up15 locations inthe city where bulk sand is available for filling sandbags.

Empty sandbags are available at localfire stations.

Laval residents with questions about flood preparations are encouraged to call 311.

Anyone with a flooding emergency is asked to call 911.

High waters around Quebec

TheMille-llesRiver and Riviredes Prairies are among seven Quebec rivers that are currently under surveillance for floods.

Other rivers considered at risk of flooding include:

• BcancourRiverinMauricie
• Saint-FranoisRiver in the Eastern Townships
• ChteauguayRiver inMontrgie
• Chaudire River in Beauce