- Mar 06, 2026

Media Release

Spring Weather Conditions and Emergency Preparedness Update – March 6, 2026

As we head into the annual early spring warm up and snow and ice melt, the Town is reminding residents to be prepared for any flooding, both localized and widespread. Currently, warmer temperatures are forecasted over the coming days, along with approximately 30 - 50mm of rainfall from late Friday night through Saturday. Combined, these factors can cause flooding and dangerous conditions.

While widespread flooding is not expected at this point, we are currently experiencing localized flooding on some town roads and streets. Flood risks in low-lying areas that typically see an accumulation of water in early spring are also a concern.

The Town of Huntsville works closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and other local governments to monitor weather conditions. Should there be the potential for flooding to occur, the MNR will provide updates through their Flood Forecasting and Warning Program.  

Residents are advised to take caution 

    • Waterways will likely be flowing higher than normal causing local streams and rivers to become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. It’s important to keep children and pets away from all lakes and rivers.
    • NO ICE IS SAFE ICE. Residents should stay clear of ice surfaces as a precaution. For ice safety information visit ontario.ca.
    • In the case of any road closures or significant issues within Huntsville, the Town will issue updates through our news notices and social media. 
    • Stay informed by watching, listening and following the MNR and local media outlets and subscribing to receive notices from the Town of Huntsville. 

How to prepare for a flood event 

Make an emergency plan: 
You should have a plan in place for yourself and loved ones including safe alternative accommodations, should you need to evacuate or your home and property are damaged.  

Build an emergency kit: 
Everyone should have a 72-hour emergency survival kit, with the supplies needed to be safe and take care of yourself and your family for at least three days, following any emergency. From essentials like food and water to special considerations like medication and pet food, make sure you have everything you need on hand. You should also consider having a generator available in case of extended power outages.  
 
For a list of what should be in your 72-hour emergency kit, visit Canada.ca. 
 
Prepare your property:

Inside your home: 

    • Store any personal belongings in sealed bins
    • Move documents and keepsakes out of the basement
    • Test sump pumps regularly and install a back-up system (for example, battery back-up or generator)
    • Consider putting weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors
    • Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home
    • Know how to shut off the main electrical feed to your home if needed 

Outside your home: 

    • Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away 
    • Remove debris that could present danger
    • Secure outdoor furniture and items around piers, docks or boathouses
    • Secure your dock to the land
    • Remove lawnmowers, snowmobiles, ATVs, and boats in flood prone areas
    • Regularly maintain water drainage systems, such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches
    • If you have experienced flooding in the past, consider storing an adequate supply of sandbags 

For more information on flooding, and resources please visit ontario.ca.

To learn more about the Town of Huntsville’s emergency response coordination and how you can get all the information you need, watch our video.  

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Media Contact:
Communications@huntsville.ca  

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Town of Huntsville
37 Main St. East
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 1A1

Open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30
Phone: 705-789-1751 option 0
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