Flooding due to warm temperatures, recent rainfall, and melting snow continues to be an issue across midwestern Ontario.
Maitland Valley and Saugeen Valley conservation authority both issued updates on Monday morning.
In the watershed covered by Maitland Valley Conservation Authority a flood warning has been issued. It warns flooding is imminent or already occuring in the Boyle Drain region of the Middle Maitland River. This is affecting the municipalities of North Perth and Huron East.
"Water levels in the Boyle Drain will continue to rise [Monday], with the potential to reach levels similar to those experienced in the December 2008 event," the conservation authority said in a statement. "Levels are expected to continue a slow but steady rise for at least the next 12 hours. Ongoing snowmelt [Monday], combined with possible rainfall [Tuesday], could keep flows elevated well into the week, making this a potentially long-duration event."
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority said it has seen significant increases in water levels across many rivers and streams over the past 24 hours. Record high flows have been recorded in the Pine River, which the conservation authority noted responds quickly to rain and snowmelt.
Conservation staff worked through the weekend monitoring conditions across the watershed, tracking water levels. Environment Canada recorded 40.6 millimetres of rainfall in Wiarton Friday through Saturday as a low pressure system moved across the province. Goderich received 29.7 millimetres, Lucknow 27.9 millimetres, and Brussels 26.7 millimetres.
Flooding of low-lying areas has damaged roads and left some closed in Bruce County and North Perth. Roads that remain closed include Bruce Road 7 from Bruce Road 86 to Ripley and Road 159 between Line 60 to Line 66. Some of the roads are expected to remain closed for the next couple of days. Drivers are reminded not to drive through floodwater as culverts and gravel roads will be at risk of washouts.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is extending an ongoing flood watch.
According to a report from the GSCA, water levels in many river systems rose above normal spring runoff levels after the snowmelt this past Saturday, which caused some local roadways to be closed due to flooding.
With high temperatures and rainfall expected to start on Tuesday and last into Wednesday, the ongoing flood watch in the area is being extended to Friday, March 13.
Starting Tuesday evening, roughly 20-40 mm of rainfall is expected for the region into Wednesday afternoon.
Areas like Allenford may see potential flooding and high river courses with the Sauble River levels remaining very high. Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and flows and provide updates as needed.
