An official with the Essex Region Conservation Authority blames high winds, not the rain, for widespread flooding in southern Essex County.
Although the wind didn't reach gale force, director of watershed management Tim Byrne says it "is blowing strong enough and out of a consistent direction (that) it's causing waves to break over break walls and unprotected properties."
Byrne says much of the region was affected by flooding and poor drainage, but the Lakeshore Park and Coterie Park areas of Leamington were hit particularly bad. "Water depths over portions of the roadways exceeded .3m and in some spots almost .4m," he says. "Water was running across Marentette Beach in several locations as a result of the overspray from waves that were overtopping break walls."
Residents near Marentette Beach lost power, and some homes had flooded basements.
Although residents were advised they should leave the area if they felt unsafe, Byrne says there was no evacuation order issued.
A flood warning remains in effect until 10am Sunday at which time authority officials will reassess conditions and decide if it needs to be extended.
