Highlights:

• McKeough Dam in operation
• Water levels climbing quickly
• Unstable Ice conditions
• Road closures

Current:

Water levels on the Sydenham River and its tributaries continue to climb quickly, as a result of rain combined with continuing snow melt. Localized flooding is occurring at a handful of locations (Strathroy and Petrolia). Flooding will expand into low lying areas overnight, mostly into agricultural, parkland and floodplain areas. At 5:15 am the criteria for operation of the McKeough Dam was reached and the gates have been closed to reduce any potential residential flooding in Wallaceburg should the operating conditions be reached.

The following roads will be impacted by high water levels. These roads include

St. Clair Township:

·         Stanley Line east of Kimball Road

·         Pretty Road north of McCallum Line

Enniskillen Township:

·         Durham Creek Line at Black Ash Line

·         Fairweather Road Between Rokeby Line and Shiloh Line

·         Fairweather Road between Oil Springs Line and Aberfeldy Line

The next few days:

Water levels are expected to remain high for the next few days. Ice conditions have deteriorated throughout the watershed with significant thickness in the lower reaches of the Sydenham River. When this ice breaks up, ice jams are very possible and could result in minor flooding above the jams. Forecast precipitation may increase levels or prolong peak conditions into Friday.

Additional roads may be impacted tomorrow and Thursday as flows peak in many areas of the watershed. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should review emergency response plans and monitor local conditions closely.

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, February 21, 2018 unless otherwise updated.