A flood warning has been issued by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.
SCRCA officials say water levels are rising, minor flooding is taking place, there are potential road closures, along with strong winds, increased wave action and possible erosion.
Strong winds are currently causing backflow in Wallaceburg and water levels are elevated over the top of the bank in that area, SCRCA officials added.
“Locations across the region are showing 20-50mm of rain has fallen between yesterday and today,” SCRCA officials said in a press release issued at 3:14 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
“Water levels are rising and may elevate into natural floodplain areas, parks and farm fields. The rainfall is slowly making its way through the system and is expected to peak in the next 24-36 hours. Wind gusts upwards of 65 km/h are anticipated to peak in the coming hours, before slowly subsiding overnight through Monday and switching to a northerly direction overnight into Tuesday.”
SCRCA officials added: “Residents along the Lake St. Clair shoreline may also experience wind-driven high water levels and wave action, with a potential for erosion.”
The following roads may be impacted by water levels and should be avoided:
– Otter Line in Wallaceburg
– Waterworks Road north of Courtright Line
– Stanley Line between Kimball Road and Waubuno Road
– Pretty Road north of McCallum Line
“River banks are expected to be slippery, with possible erosion,” SCRCA officials say.
“Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water, as well as shorelines during high-wind and wave action events. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.”
The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise.
Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.
This flood warning will remain in effect until Tuesday, March 31, 2020 unless otherwise updated.
