Residents in Lucknow and the Municipality of Brockton are the latest to be told to prepare for possible flooding as heavy rain continues to add to swollen rivers and creeks.
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority issued a flood warning Wednesday morning for Lucknow and surrounding areas of the Nine Mile River watershed. It advises that as of 4 a.m. more than 60 millimetres of rain had fallen under intense thunderstorms with more in the forecast.
"River levels are currently rising at roughly 3” per hour," the conservation authority said. "If this rate continues, levels could reach 2018 flood levels... Municipal officials are encouraged to prepare for levels to reach flood stage."
Residents in low-lying areas will be the hardest hit and drivers should be mindful rural roads could be washed out.
A flood warning is also still in place for the Boyle Drain area in the municipalities of North Perth and Huron East, as well as along the Middle Maitland River between Brussels and Wingham.
Saugeen Conservation also issued dealing with flooding. In its own flood warning issued Wednesday, it stated that Silver Creek in Walkerton overflowed its banks causing flooding upstream of Durham Street. That was after heavy thunderstorms brought 45 millimetres of rainfall.
"Debris has also been observed at road crossings which could worsen conditions," Saugeen Conservation said. "Municipal staff should monitor culverts and bridges for debris blockages that could impede the flow of water. Residents along Silver Creek should monitor conditions closely and remain prepared for possible flooding."
It added that localized flooding is also occurring along the Saugeen River at Lobies Park.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authorities also warned of flooding in low-lying areas. Residents are reminded to steer clear of all watercourses as waters will be fast-moving and higher than normal and banks will be slippery.
Flooding led to Highway 21 between Amberley and Blyth roads in Huron County being closed for much of the morning. It was reopened around 11:30 a.m. The full list of flooding-related road closures can be found by clicking here.
Rain, which will be heavy at times, will continue to fall throughout the day on Wednesday. A yellow-level rainfall warning was bumped up to an orange-level rainfall warning for all of midwestern Ontario, except for the Bruce Peninsula where a yellow-level freezing rain warning is in effect. Up to 10 millimetres of ice build-up is possible there, though it could be lower should the freezing rain switch over to rain. School buses were cancelled in Lions Head and Tobermory due to the icy conditions. A yellow-level rainfall warning remains in place for southern Perth County.
Environment Canada has stated that a series of low pressure systems is what is causing the significant conditions across the region. By Wednesday night, the threat of rain will drop to just 40 per cent, changing to a 40 per cent chance of flurries as the temperature drops to minus 5 C.
