Lower Trent Conservation has issued a Flood Watch for the Trent River.
That includes the communities of Brighton, Quinte West, Stirling-Rawdon and Trent Hills.
A slow-moving low-pressure system will bring light snowfall and warmer air temperatures for Wednesday through Saturday followed by an arctic air mass which is forecasted to bring extremely low temperatures with forecasts in the minus 20s for Sunday and into next week.
Nuisance or minor flooding of access roads, backyards and basements is anticipated.
High water levels, unsafe banks or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users and waterfront landowners.
There is also a concern that the colder air temperatures coming on the weekend could cause frazil ice generation that may result in ice jamming and possible flooding.
Frazil ice is an ice formation that occurs when there is a lack of ice cover and exposure of the water surface to cold temperatures and/or wind chills below -18 degrees Celsius.
Such ice can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers and riverbanks and block the flow of water.
LTC encourages residents living along any flowing water bodies to pay careful attention to water levels as the accumulation of frazil ice may result in frazil ice jamming and rapid unpredictable increases in water levels.
Fluctuating water levels are expected to occur during these cold weather conditions.
High water levels could cause flooding of driveways, access roads or buildings located in low-lying areas.
Residents should ensure their sump pumps are working and secure personal property (boats, docks, etc.) along river banks.
These extreme cold temperatures will cause flood waters to freeze and cause dangerous conditions.
While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never cease to exist, they are of particular concern during these conditions.
Water currents could be strong and temperatures are cold.
Additionally, sheet ice cover that has formed on lakes and river should be considered unsafe.
Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
The Flood Watch Statement for the Trent River will be in effect until Thursday, January 23 at 12 p.m.
