Flood Watch Issued for Thunder Bay and Surrounding Municipalities
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for Thunder Bay and several surrounding communities as more rain is expected and water levels remain elevated across the region.
Rainfall and High Water Levels Raise Flood Risk
THUNDER BAY — The flood watch applies to the City of Thunder Bay, the municipalities of Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge and Shuniah, along with the townships of O’Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion.
The authority says 20 to 30 millimetres of rain is forecast from Monday afternoon into Tuesday, adding to already saturated conditions.
Over the past five days, between 25 and 40 millimetres of precipitation has been recorded, with the highest amounts in the Whitefish River and Current River watersheds.
Water levels peaked on Saturday following recent rainfall and snowmelt and have since declined slightly, but remain high.
Neebing River and Local Impacts
The Neebing River continues to divert into the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway, and road closures have already been reported in the Municipality of Neebing.
With additional rainfall and possible snowmelt in upstream areas, water levels in rivers and creeks are expected to rise again.
Flooding in low-lying areas and washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts are possible.
Public Safety Advisory
Residents are being urged to monitor local weather forecasts and use caution near waterways.
High flows and unstable, slippery banks pose safety risks. Motorists are reminded to follow all road closures and avoid driving through flooded areas.
Why It Matters Locally
Spring flooding is a recurring concern in Northwestern Ontario, where a combination of snowmelt and rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and waterways.
In areas like Neebing and Oliver Paipoonge, where rural roads and culverts are critical infrastructure, flooding can disrupt travel, isolate residents and impact emergency response. The flood watch will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as conservation authority staff continue to monitor conditions.
