The Town of Minto is asking motorists to avoid the Harriston area where possible due to flooding from heavy rain.
The OPP has closed Hwy. 89 at O’Dwyers Rd. in Minto west of Mount Forest.
Policed tweeted that there is a storm sewer back-up and some roads are not safe to drive on.
Many Harriston streets are considered impassible and Minto fire officials are asking all residents to stay in their houses. Police say everyone should be prepared for water levels to continue to rise and possible evacuations if more rain where to occur.
Nearby in Mount Forest, flooding at the Spring Valley Cottage and RV Resort has resulted in an evacuation of the site. There have been no injuries as a result of the flooding, and police, as well as paramedics, are assisting in removing campers.
The Town of Minto Public Works staff ask that Harriston residents limit the water entering the sewage system as all the rain will cause the system to run at capacity. A flood warning has been issued for Harriston trailer park residents who should be prepared in case they need to evacuate.
Water levels will exceed the levels recorded in 2008. Levels are expected to rise slowly throughout the day before dropping this evening And Arthur St. in Harriston should be avoided east of Hwy. 9 and Public Works is blocking roads where needed.
Hwy. 89 from Blind Line to Harriston is closed due to flooding.
There is a route around Harriston but it is not signed at this time. Traffic may bypass Harriston as follows:
Coming from the North (Mount Forest): Hwy. 89 west, County Rd. 6 south to 10th Line west to Hwy. 89 head north briefly on County Rd. 2, west on 14th Line, South on Ayton Rd. to Hwy. 9 to Harriston.
Coming from the south (Harriston): North on Hwy. 9 toward Clifford; north on Ayton Rd. to 14th Line; east on Ayton Rd. to County Rd. 2 south briefly to Hwy. 89 head south to 10th Line east to County Rd. 6 and north to 89 toward Mount Forest.
