Flood Warning in Effect: NFN Monitoring Shorelines and Water Levels Closely

Press Release

May 7, 2026

The Ministry of Natural Resources – North Bay District has issued a Flood Warning affecting the shoreline of Lake Nipissing. This means flooding is imminent or occurring for residents in our area. Read the full Flood Warning notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Lake Nipissing water levels are now at 196.31 m (a 7 cm difference from our last update on April 28) which is above the non-damage level. With these levels and high wind conditions, some shoreline erosion is expected. At this time, there is no risk to homes or to the health and safety of residents.

Lake levels may rise another 5-6 cm before they begin to stabilize. When this happens depends on the amount of rainfall we receive. The current forecast calls for 10-15 mm over the weekend.

When Jocko Point flooded in 2019, water levels reached 196.58 m. Current levels are 27 cm lower than that.

Sand and Sandbags

NFN Emergency Services and volunteers prepared over 6,000 sandbags for residents in Jocko Point and Beaucage as a precautionary measure. At this time, we have suspended the sandbag stations and will keep monitoring the lake level and precipitation.

NFN only provides sandbags to protect houses, driveways, and wellheads, not to stop shoreline erosion or waves. Read NFN’s Flood Risk Management – Sandbag Policy.

We continue to patrol Duchesnay, Yellek, Beaucage and Jocko Point to ensure that roads are accessible and monitor any breaches of water.

Safety Tips

• Stay away from fast-moving or high water
• Supervise children and pets near water
• Avoid shorelines and riverbanks; they are slippery and unstable
• Stay off lakes and rivers; ice is not safe

Protect Your Home

• Clear debris from gutters, eavestroughs, and downspouts
• Check your sump pump (a pump that removes water from basements) and keep it working
• Consider backup power, such as a battery or generator

Power Safety (Hydro One Customers)

• If water reaches electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, or your furnace, call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1236 to have the power turned off safely.

Be Prepared

• Restock your emergency kit
• Monitor conditions closely if you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area

Stay Up to Date and Monitor Conditions

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre: www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada Bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca
• Ontario Flood Map: Flood Forecasting and Warning Program

More updates will be shared as conditions change.

ILR5