The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has issued a water safety statement, as water level in the Sydenham River are expected to be very high for the next few days.
Steve Clark, water resources specialist, said 40 to 50 mm of precipitation was received in the past 24 hours throughout the region.
“Extensive precipitation over the past few days has resulted in high flows in all watercourses,” Clark stated in a bulletin issued Friday morning.
“Water levels on the Sydenham River and its tributaries will be pushed to top of bank over the next few days and into the weekend. Forecasts are calling for clearing conditions however many rural areas including fields and floodplains are saturated from the recent rainfall. This has the potential for immediate runoff into rivers and streams rapidly increasing flows.”
Clark said the water levels will likely remain high into early next week.
“Drains and smaller watercourses in upstream areas may also experience localized flooding in some areas especially during rain events,” Clark stated.
“Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks. Parents in particular are urged to keep their children away from floodplain areas.”
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority said they 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 flooding.
