The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for the Sydenham River in Wallaceburg and Dresden.
Steve Clark, water resources specialist with the SCRCA, said water levels have been climbing quickly and have resulted in over-bank flooding into floodplain areas with over 50mm of precipitation being received across the area in the last 48 hours and an additional 30mm received Sunday night and early Monday.
Extensive localized flooding has continued to expand into low lying areas overnight, mostly into agricultural, parkland and floodplain areas,” Clark said in a statement.
“Water levels in all areas of the watershed are expected to remain extremely high especially in the lower reaches of the watershed near Dresden and Wallaceburg where levels have continued to rise significantly.”
These conditions are expected to continue through today and overnight into Tuesday, Clark said.
In St. Clair Township, Pretty Road near Stanley Road will be closed due to flooding.
“Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should review emergency response plans and monitor local conditions closely,” Clark said.
“Additional bulletins will be issued should conditions change. 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 Wednesday March 30, 2016 unless otherwise updated.
