Highlights:
- Gradual opening of the gates at the W. Darcy McKeough Dam continues as conditions permit throughout Sunday
- High winds with some additional rain overnight continues to influence flows in the Sydenham River
- Road closures continue to be in effect across the watershed
Water levels on the Sydenham River and its tributaries are receding very slowly after extensive rain and snowmelt earlier in the week. Light rain overnight Saturday has had a minor impact on flows however; wind conditions will potentially have a surge effect restricting outflows on the major watercourses. Wallaceburg and the McKeough Dam water levels are stable but falling very slowly. SCRCA continues the opening procedure for the gates at the McKeough Dam. As water levels in Wallaceburg permit, the gates of the McKeough Dam will continue 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. 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 when travelling on all roads on or near floodplain areas over the next few days.
Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing over the course of the coming days with little or no additional rain.
Water levels across the watershed will continue to fall at a very slow rate through the weekend returning to normal levels by later in the 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 Monday, February 26, 2018 unless otherwise updated.
