Flood warning remains in place for Sydenham River

The Sydenham River in Wallaceburg on Wednesday, February 21 (Jennifer Eagleson)

A flood warning remains in place by the the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority for the Sydenham River.

Also, the McKeough Dam remains closed to reduce potential flooding in Wallaceburg, as water levels remain high.

“Water levels on the Sydenham River and its tributaries are slowly receding after extensive rain and snowmelt earlier in the week,” SCRCA officials stated on Thursday.

“Flows on the east branch of the Sydenham River continue to be significant, and ice conditions present on the north branch are being monitored on an ongoing basis. Localized flooding is occurring at a handful of locations (Strathroy and Petrolia) with water residing in low lying areas, mostly into agricultural, parkland and floodplain areas.”

The following roads will be impacted by high water levels. These roads include:

St. Clair Township:

– Stanley Line east of Kimball Road

– Pretty Road north of McCallum Line

Enniskillen Township:

– Durham Creek Line at Black Ash Line

– Fairweather Road Between Rokeby Line and Shiloh Line

– Fairweather Road between Oil Springs Line and Aberfeldy Line

Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing over the course of the coming days.

“These conditions have the potential to further deteriorate and break up ice on the north branch, which could lead to ice jamming and minor flooding above the jams,” SCRCA officials stated.

“Additional roads may be impacted as high water levels continue throughout the watershed. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should review emergency response plans and monitor local conditions closely.”

Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to saturated and slippery banks as well as the danger of swift moving water.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority will monitor the flood condition of the watersheds in the region and will provide warnings to municipal officials and media in the event conditions develop which could result in the potential of more severe flooding.

This message will remain in effect until Friday, February 23, 2018 unless otherwise updated.

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