Flooding occurring in Ottawa area as snow melts after rain

A flood warning for some parts of the Rideau River watershed has been issued by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

TheRideauValley Conservation Authority (RVCA) issued a flood watch Monday and then a warningTuesday, saying that water levels are expected to rise to the flooding levels "in some locations in the Rideau River watershed within the next 24 hours."

"River levels are expected to climb through the afternoon and into evening today, and to level off in the early hours ofWednesday," the RVCA said in a media release.

Areas of the Rideau River watershed that are affected include:

• Long Reach of the Rideau River, the stretch from Long Island north of Manotick to Burritts Rapids, where water levels are rising.
• Hilly Lane in North Grenville, where the private roadway to the communitywas expected to be submerged by late Tuesday evening or early Wednesdaymorning. Residents can expect difficulties accessing the neighbourhood over the next few days and should consider alternative accommodations.
• Old Ottawa South, where water levels are continuing to rise.Flooding on the surface of Rideau River Drive between Belmont Street and Fentiman Avenue can be expected late Tuesdayevening or overnight.

City crews are continuing to remove ice from the river, the authority said.

The potential for blocked storm drains, catch basins and culverts ishigh.