Weather: 1)Rainfall Advisory; 2)Potential for flooding raises food and water safety concerns across Simcoe Muskoka; 3)City offering self‑serve sandbags to Barrie residents at risk of property flooding; 4) Filled sandbags can be placed around lower‑level doors and windows to help prevent water from entering a home.

1)Rainfall Advisory – Saturday

Barrie – Orillia – Simcoe County Toronto York – Durham Halton – Peel Kawartha Lakes Blue Mountains – northern Grey

Rainfall expected Saturday. The ground, already near saturation, has a limited capacity to absorb this rainfall.

What: Rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 mm.

When: Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon.

Additional information:
A cold front will sweep through the region Saturday, bringing showers and the risk of a thunderstorm. Portions of the region have received significant rainfall amounts over the last few days. As a result, further rainfall could have significant impacts.

Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Don’t drive through flooded roadways. Avoid low-lying areas.

For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources office. Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details.

Rainfall Warning – Yellow Alert
Parry Sound – Muskoka
Minden – Haliburton – southern Haliburton County
Impact Level: Moderate
Forecast Confidence: High

Rain, at times heavy, is expected. The ground, already near saturation, has little ability to absorb further rainfall.

What: Rainfall amounts of 20 to 30 mm.

When: Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon.

Additional information:
A cold front will sweep through the region Saturday, bringing showers and the risk of a thunderstorm. Portions of the region have received significant rainfall amounts over the last few days. As a result, further rainfall could have significant impacts.

Localized flooding is likely. Some roads may become impassable.

Don’t drive through flooded roadways. Avoid low-lying areas. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources office. Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods for the latest details.

2)Potential for flooding raises food and water safety concerns across Simcoe Muskoka

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By Staff, April 15, 2026

With heavy rain and melting snow causing localized flooding across the region, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding residents to take extra precautions to protect food and drinking water and reduce the risk of illness.

Emergencies such as floods and power outages can significantly affect water quality, food safety, and living conditions. The health unit says proper food and water safety before, during, and after flooding events is critical, particularly for residents who rely on private wells and those who experience extended power disruptions.

Private Wells at Higher Risk During Flooding

The health unit warns that private wells are especially vulnerable to contamination during floods, and that any well can become unsafe when floodwater is present. If floodwater reaches or covers a wellhead, residents are advised to assume the water is unsafe for drinking.

Power outages can compound the risk by preventing well pumps and water treatment systems from functioning properly. Once power is restored, residents should flush their water lines for at least five minutes and ensure treatment devices, such as ultraviolet (UV) systems, are operating correctly.

Until well water has been properly tested and confirmed safe, residents are urged to use commercially bottled water. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled for at least one minute before being used for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.

Private well owners can have their water tested free of charge, with sample bottles available at many Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offices.

Only Safe Water Should Be Used for Daily Essentials

The health unit says only safe drinking water should be used for:

• Making ice, juice, coffee, tea, and infant formula
• Cooking and washing fruits and vegetables
• Brushing teeth and washing hands
• Dishwashing

For added dishwashing safety, residents can add a capful of bleach to a sink full of clear water when rinsing dishes.

Municipal drinking water systems, meanwhile, remain safe. The health unit notes that municipal water is treated and continuously monitored, even during flooding and power outages, and residents will be notified immediately if there is any concern with water quality.

Flood Water Can Make Food Unsafe

Flood water often carries silt, sewage, oil, and chemicals, which can contaminate food and make it unsafe to consume. The health unit stresses that any food that comes into contact with floodwater should be thrown out, even if the packaging appears dry. Water can seep into containers and compromise food safety.

Power outages also pose serious risks, particularly for refrigerated and frozen foods. All food should be carefully checked before being used after a power loss.

Perishable items such as meat, poultry, dairy products, fish, and eggs must be discarded if they have been stored above 4°C (40°F) for more than two hours, as bacteria can multiply quickly at warmer temperatures.

What to Know About Freezers During Power Outages

According to the health unit:

• A full chest freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours without power
• A half‑full freezer will typically keep food frozen for about 24 hours
• If food has thawed, it should be thrown out

Residents are reminded not to taste food to determine whether it is safe.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out

As flood recovery continues in parts of Simcoe Muskoka, the health unit emphasizes one key message when it comes to food and water safety: if in doubt, throw it out.

Taking precautionary steps now, officials say, can help prevent foodborne illness and protect household health during and after flooding events.

For more information on water testing, food safety, and flood recovery guidance, residents are encouraged to visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website or contact their local health unit office.

3)City offering self‑serve sandbags to Barrie residents at risk of property flooding

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By City of Barrie

In response to significant rainfall and instances of water accumulation impacting properties in the Minet’s Point area, the City will be making a supply of sand and sandbags available to residents who are experiencing, or at risk of, property flooding.

Self-serve sand and sandbags will be available at the Minet’s Point parking lot (10 Lismer Blvd.) starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Residents must bring their own shovels to fill the bags. Supplies are available to all city of Barrie residents. Delivery of the supplies will not be provided. The supplies will be available as long as necessary or until the lake water recedes to typical levels.

4)Filled sandbags can be placed around lower‑level doors and windows to help prevent water from entering a home.

Given the significant rainfall affecting the city, residents are also encouraged to review Ontario’s flood emergency safety tips.

Published April 16, 2026

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By City of Orillia

The City of Orillia is monitoring weather conditions as rainfall is expected to persist over the coming days. City staff are responding to localized flooding, including pumping water in affected areas, however, saturated ground conditions and elevated lake levels are limiting drainage capacity in some locations.

Parks Canada, responsible for water management, has advised that water levels in Lake Simcoe are above average, above full, and continuing to rise due to high inflows from recent precipitation. Elevated water levels are expected to continue into the weekend. Approximately 60 mm of rain has fallen over the past five days, with an additional 15 to 25 mm forecast over the coming days.

Properties in areas close to the Lake Couchiching shoreline are also experiencing flooding. Parks Canada is advising residents in these areas to prepare for extended periods of flooding until lake levels recede.

City crews are deployed in key locations to manage flooding impacts and protect public safety and infrastructure, including providing sand and bags in flooded areas and opening a self-serve sandbag station at the Collins Drive Launch Ramp. Residents may experience temporary road closures and traffic delays as conditions continue.

Current Road Closures:

Residents who observe flooding on roadways in their area are encouraged to report it to the City so that crews can respond as quickly as possible at orillia.ca/Service.

What Residents Can Do:

-more-

Self‑Serve Sandbag Station:

Safety Reminders:

Resources:

Stay up to date on flooding advisories and learn more at: