Ice jam broken up in the St. Clair River

Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley is shown providing emergency flood relief on the lower St. Clair River on Tuesday January 22 2019. Icebreaking reduces flooding in communities by breaking up ice jams to keep the river moving (Canadian Coast Guard)

The Canadian Coast Guard has responded to flooding concerns on the St. Clair River.

Recent cold weather has caused ice build-up along the St. Clair River, Canadian Coast Guard officials stated in a press release.

Early Monday morning, January 21, the Canadian Coast Guard received reports of flooding along the lower St. Clair River.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon was dispatched from Sarnia and commenced operations to clear the ice jams that were affecting mainly the Michigan communities of Algonac, East China Township and Marine City, Canadian Coast Guard officials said.

The Griffon was then joined by the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley and icebreaking efforts continued throughout the night.

A third icebreaker, the United States Coast Guard cutter Bristol Bay, joined the effort on Tuesday.

Water levels in this section of the St Clair River have dropped by about 18 inches over the last 24 hours thanks to ice breaking operations, Canadian Coast Guard officials said.

A Canadian Coast Guard ice reconnaissance flight is underway to assess the latest conditions.

Commercial shipping in the area is now moving under Coast Guard escort after being halted on Monday due to the ice jams.

Public Safety is the key priority of the Canadian Coast Guard, officials say.

The Canadian Coast Guard works in close partnership with the United States Coast Guard on our shared waterways.

Crews from both countries play a vital role in ensuring the safe movement of cargoes, flood mitigation, and search-and-rescue serving our maritime communities during each ice-season, Canadian Coast Guard officials said.

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