SVCA, MVCA issue flood warnings in watershed areas

Both the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) issued flood warnings Friday morning after extensive rainfall Thursday night.

At 4:30 p.m. the SVCA Flood Forecast Centre updated its earlier message (issued at 11:30 a.m.), stating that water levels remain high in the South Saugeen River watershed, which includes parts of the Municipalities of Wellington North, Southgate, and Minto.

"Flood warning status remains in effect for those communities and is now extended into the portions of the Municipalities of West Grey and South Bruce that are within the South Saugeen River Watershed basin and its tributaries.

"The South Saugeen River near Mount Forest appears to have peaked this afternoon and flows should decline throughout this evening. This prediction warrants due caution, however, and water levels will continue to be monitored by SVCA staff.

"Rainfall during the early-hours this morning at the SVCA’s Mount Forest rain gauge measured 149 millimetres (mm), with most of it occurring over a six-hour period. There has been little additional rainfall so far today.

"The preliminary estimate of the peak flow for the South Saugeen River, as measured today near Mount Forest, was 232 cubic metres per second (cms). The average annual flood for this watercourse is 86 cms.

"The South Saugeen River downstream of Mount Forest and through to where it joins the Main Saugeen River, south of Hanover, has not yet peaked. That area will continue to see rising water levels.

"Once again, please note that the flood warning has been extended to include the lower section of the South Saugeen River system in West Grey and South Bruce."

Meanwhile a flood watch remains in effect for the rest of the SVCA Watershed, as a precaution.

"SVCA flood forecast staff will remain at our Formosa office through the night to continue monitoring stream conditions.

"For safety reasons, residents are advised to stay away from watercourses and streambanks. Recreational water users, such as those considering canoeing and kayaking, should be cautious and check water conditions before proceeding."

The flood warning and flood watch are in effect until 5 p.m. Monday, June 26, unless a further message is issued.

The MVCA Flood Forecast Centre, which is dealing with intense flooding and road closures in Harriston, has issued a flood watch for Huron-Kinloss and Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh.

"Levels are continuing to rise in the Nine Mile River. Overnight rainfall amounts in the area range from 60 mm to 120 mm. As a result, a flood watch has been issued for the Nine Mile River watershed.

"Municipal officials are requested to monitor low-lying roads and structures. Maitland Conservation staff have reported seeing flooding in low-lying areas in Port Albert.

"The public is reminded to stay away from all watercourses and never attempt to drive through flooded areas. Maitland Conservation will continue to monitor conditions and update this message if required."

This message is in effect until Noon, Saturday June 24.