“It really depends on the weather conditions we’re going to get,” said Omar Kana’n, a water resources’ specialist for the South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC), regarding the risk of another spring flood like last year.

The past few weeks have seen warmer temperatures and sunny weather, with occasional rainy periods, which is melting away the snow. If Eastern Ontario does not get any “extreme rain periods” this spring, then there is less risk of seeing a repeat of last year’s spring floods.

“What we’re looking for is a melt during the day,” Kana’n said, “and cooler temperatures at night. A perfect maple sugar season situation.”

If daytime temperatures stay warm, without too much rain, and nighttime temperatures remain cool but not freezing, the snow melt can take place at a reasonable pace while the ground is allowed to thaw and be ready to absorb excess water. Last year, flooding resulted because the ground was still frozen during a rapid snowmelt, along with heavy rainfall. All the water emptied into rivers and streams instead of soaking into the ground.

“We’re crossing our fingers,” said Kana’n, adding that weather during the next few weeks of March, April and early May will determine if flooding becomes a problem.

Meanwhile, there is temporary flooding of low-lying sections of some roads throughout Prescott-Russell. Drivers are advised to check with local municipal offices and the United Counties of Prescott-Russell’s public works department on local road conditions.