Flooding in Drayton. June 23rd, 2017 (Photo submitted by Brian Elliot)Flooding in Drayton. June 23rd, 2017 (Photo submitted by Brian Elliot)
Midwestern

UPDATE: Flood Warnings And Watches In Effect In Midwestern Ontario

Updated at 9pm:

Flood warnings and flood watches are in effect in many parts of Midwestern Ontario Friday resulting in multiple road closures after intense rainfall is causing water levels to rise quickly.

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The potential for flooding exists in North Huron as the overnight rainfall exceeded a 100 year event.

North Huron Emergency Control says Gorrie Dam has failed, and if that happens, all municipalities downstream will be affected. The water is expected to reach Wingham by 6pm.

The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority has also issued a flood warning for the Township of North Huron.

Property owners in low lying areas are recommended to temporarily evacuate their properties. The dam failure may result in a significant surge of water placing persons and property at risk.

Residents who have evacuated their properties are encouraged to stay out of their homes until more information is provided Saturday morning.  Those who choose to stay in their homes overnight Friday are strongly advised to monitor the situation as conditions may change quickly.

Township of North Huron will continue to monitor the situation and updates will be made available on the North Huron website and CKNX radio.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex at 99 Kerr Dr. in Wingham. North Huron is trying to notify the 150 property owners that may be affected by the downstream surge.

Maitland Conservation staff are also closely monitoring levels at dams in Wroxeter, Wingham, Bluevale and Brussels.

Based on flood forecasting modelling, there is the potential for water levels to over-top these dams as well.

North Huron's Emergency Control members are working to put plans in place in the event that flooding conditions escalate. North Huron is advising all areas along the river, including parks and trails will be closed until noon Saturday.

There are various flood watches also in effect throughout the area.

The Township of Howick is under a flood watch as the North Maitland River watershed has received up to 170 mm of rain.

The Blyth Brook at the highest level in 40 years.

The Nine Mile Watershed in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and Huron Kinloss is also under a flood watch.

Municipal officials are expected to monitor low lying roads and structures. Residents are asked to avoid all watercourses, and never attempt to drive through flood areas.

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Flood warnings are in effect for the North Maitland, Little Maitland and Lower Maitland River watersheds.

The flood warning issued earlier Friday for the Town of Minto remains in place.

Maitland Valley Conservation has put the Harriston Trailer Park under a flood warning, and residents should be ready to evacuate if the situation worsens.

A flood watch is being issued for the Middle Maitland River watershed and the flood watch issued earlier today remains in place for the Nine Mile River watershed.

The Township of Mapleton and Village of Drayton are under a flood warning and now The Township of Mapleton has declared a state of emergency.

Officials have issued notices to Drayton residents in Levels 1,2, and 3 flood areas about the potential for or the imminent flooding of homes and businesses.

Levels in Drayton are expected to peak this afternoon.

The Peel Maryborough Drayton Arena Complex on Main St. W has been established as an evacuation centre.

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The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning for the South Saugeen River watershed, with flooding occurring in Wellington North, Southgate, Minto, as well as municipalities in West Grey and South Bruce that are within the South Saugeen River Watershed.

Wellington North says the community is experiencing a level of flooding that hasn't been seen in decades, if ever.

The municipality received over 158 mm of rain in 24 hours, and a number of properties and roads were flooded.

Numerous gravel roadways have washed out and some are closed.

Some recreational areas are also damaged and closed.

The remainder of the SVCA watershed is under a flood watch.

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Boardwalk shop owners in Centre Wellington/Elora can also expect flooding, with water levels expected to remain high through the weekend.

Woolwich, St. Jacobs, West Montrose, Elmira and the Conestogo Golf Course area also under a flood warning, with Three Bridges Road expected to remain closed through the weekend. The West Montrose Trailer Park is expected to flood, along with the Conestogo golf course.

Hwy. 25 through Grand Valley is closed along with multiple other roads as parts of the community are flooded, with levels expected to be similar to flooding of December 2008.

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