The Sydenham River is slowly receding and the W. Darcy McKeough Dam gates are gradually being opened. However, a flood warning remains in place by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.
SCRCA officials say water levels on the Sydenham River and its tributaries are slowly receding after extensive rain and snowmelt earlier in the week.
“Light rain is forecast for the rest of Friday; this will have minor to no impact on the flooding situation,” SCRCA officialssaid.
“At Wallaceburg and the McKeough Dam, water levels are stable to falling slowly. SCRCA has started the opening procedure for the gates at the McKeough Dam. As water levels in Wallaceburg permit, the gates of the McKeough Dam will be opened gradually until the north branch can safely flow through Wallaceburg.
Localized flooding continues along the main branches of the Sydenham River and its major tributaries, SCRCA officials say.
“Many roads remain closed due to flooding in St. Clair and Enniskillen Township and in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Roads have been barricaded or signed, however, care should be taken in travelling on all roads in floodplain areas over the next few days.”
Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing over the course of the coming days, SCRCA officials say.
Water levels across the watershed will continue to fall through the weekend returning to normal levels by Monday, next week.
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 Saturday, February 24, 2018 unless otherwise updated.
