AKWESASNE EXPECTING HEAVY RAINS
The Territory of Akwesasne and surrounding areas are expecting heavy rains today, August 9, 2024, with a potential accumulation of 50 to 100 mm. Rains are expected to continue this morning through this afternoon. This stems from a low-pressure system interacting with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby is expected to give heavy rainfall for eastern Ontario today. Rain will taper off later this evening.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Should you reside along the St. Regis River, (north & south) please be very vigilant and continue to monitor the water levels leading to your property. However, should the water levels rise and the current increase, please do not attempt to go near the river’s edge.
THUNDERSTORMS & LIGHTNING
Thunderstorms are often accompanied by high winds, lightning, and heavy rain in rare cases can produce tornadoes. However, this is not the case.
• Thunderstorms and lightning occur throughout Canada and the United States, but less frequently in the North.
• Thunderstorms are usually over within an hour, although a series of thunderstorms can last several hours.
WHAT TO DO IF OUTSIDE
• If you are caught outside and you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit. Seek shelter immediately either in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle. There is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm.
• If caught outside far from a safe location, stay away from tall objects, such as trees, poles, wires and fences. Take shelter in a low lying area.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going outside again.
WHAT TO DO IF INSIDE
• Before a severe thunderstorm, unplug radios, televisions and appliances (especially those that may start up automatically when the power is restored). Listen for weather updates on your wind-up or battery-powered radio.
• If you need to use the phone during a thunderstorm use a cordless phone.
• Stay away from items that may conduct electricity, such as corded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes.
RISING RIVER LEVELS
With heavy rains, comes rise of water levels in our rivers, tributaries, and culverts. We are monitoring the St. Lawrence River, St. Regis River, and the Racquette River water levels. Our main concern at this time, are the low-lying areas along the St. Regis River – primarily along the St. Regis Road, north & south. However, if you witness the increase of water levels on the rivers, please remain vigilant and . . .
• Please refrain from approaching rivers that have risen and have a faster than normal current.
• Please keep children away from the rivers and river’s edge.
• Please remove any items that may be drawn by the river current.
PETS: If possible, please leave you pets indoors.
LAWN FURNITURE & DECOR
• Please cover and tie down an lawn furniture or décor that can be easily carried in the wind.
• If possible, please store your lawn furniture and / or décor in a shed or garage.
CHECK ON YOUR ELDER NEIGHBORS
Should reside next door to an elder who resides alone or does not received Home Care / Home Support, please be sure to check on them and ensure that they are sound, safe and warm.
POWER OUTAGES
Please report any power outages to your local utility company:
• Cornwall Electric: 613-932-0123
• Hydro Quebec: 1-800-790-2424
• National Grid: 1-800-867-5222
HYDRO QUEBEC: Should you witness or have a tree branch fall on your power line and it appears to be straining your power line downward into a ‘V’ shape, please call Hydro Quebec to remove the tree branch. If this is not the case, you, the homeowner, are responsible for the removal of the tree / branch.
FALLEN/DETACH/DOWN UTILITY WIRES: Please do not attempt to remove any fallen or detached power lines. Please call your utility company immediately.
OUTAGES: The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s (MCA) and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s (SRMT) Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) will be working with the utility companies to get the power restored. However, should your power not be restored, when the power comes back on, please contact MCA’s or the SRMT EOCs for further assistance.
MCA EOC
• Email: eoc@akwesasne.ca
• Line #1 613-575-5005
• Line #2 613-575-2331
• Line #3 613-575-2340 (Non-Emergency)
SRMT EOC
• Phone: 518-320-0019