With 50-80 mm of rain falling across the region, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) issued a flood watch on Friday morning.
SCRCA officials say water levels are rising across the watershed and localized flooding is taking place along some of the smaller watercourses in the region.
“Over the last 72 hours 50 to 80 mm of rain across the region has caused water levels to rise,” SCRCA officials stated.
“Water levels are expected to continue to rise on the tributaries of the north branch of the Sydenham River, specifically in the Petrolia and Brigden areas and on Black Creek near Bradshaw. Water levels on the east branch are also increasing steadily at Alvinston and at Florence. Localized flooding is occurring at low lying areas, mostly in floodplain, agricultural and parkland areas. All watercourses are expected to be near or over top of bank conditions for the next few days.”
SCRCA officials say several roads are expected to be closed this week.
These roads include:
– Waterworks road between Courtright Line and Moore Line
– Pretty Road between Stanley Line and McCallum Line
– Waubuno Road north of Bickford Line
– Fairweather Road between Rokeby Line and Shiloh Line
– Fairweather Road between Aberfeldy Line and Oil Springs Line
“Precipitation forecast for (Friday, November 2) calls for trace amounts across most parts of the watershed,” SCRCA officials stated.
“Water levels will continue to remain high and near top of the bank conditions in most areas of Sydenham River for the next few days. Drains and smaller watercourses in upstream areas will experience localized flooding in some areas. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should 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.
The flood watch will remain in effect until Monday, November 5, 2018 unless otherwise updated.
