Highlights:

• 25-40 mm (1-1.6 inches) of rain across the region on Tuesday and Wednesday with some localized areas exceeding 50 mm (2 inches)
• Water levels rising across the watershed
• Localized flooding along some of the smaller watercourses in the region
• 30 to 40 mm of Precipitation over today and into tomorrow
• Slippery stream banks
• Road closures

Current:
Over the last 36 hours 25 to 40 mm (1 to 1.4 inches) of rain across the region has caused water levels to rise. Water levels are expected to continue to rise on the tributaries of the north branch of the Sydenham River, specifically in the Petrolia and Brigden areas and on Black Creek near Bradshaw. Water levels on the east branch are also increasing steadily at Alvinston and at Florence. Localized flooding is occurring at low lying areas, mostly in floodplain, agricultural and parkland areas. All watercourses are expected to be near or over top of bank conditions for the next few days.

Several roads will be closed this week. These roads include:

• Pretty Road between Stanley Line and McCallum Line
• Waubuno Road north of Bickford Line
• Black Ash road South of Petrolia Line
• Plowing Match Road between Rokeby Line and Petrolia Line
• Fairweather Road between Rokeby Line and Shiloh Line
• Fairweather Road between Aberfeldy Line and Oil Springs Line

Short Term:
Precipitation forecast for today and tomorrow calls for higher than originally anticipated accumulations of near 50 mm across most parts of the watershed. Water levels will continue to rise with the additional precipitation resulting in high and near top of the bank conditions in most areas of Sydenham River for the next few days. Drains and smaller watercourses in upstream areas will experience localized flooding in some areas.
Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.

Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks, cold and swift moving water as well as extensive debris moving downstream within the watercourses. Parents in particular are urged to keep their children away from floodplain areas.

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 flooding.

Update: As required.
Contact: Girish Sankar, Water Resources Engineer
519-245-3710 ext. 247 after hours at 519-617-1935
Confirmation: Confirmation of receipt of this message is not required