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Midwestern

UPDATE: North Huron Flooding And Reception Centre Set Up At Wescast Complex

Update for 9:00pm:

The Township of North Huron continues to actively monitor potential flooding conditions along the Maitland River in Wingham.

Earlier today the Township notified residents of over 150 properties in areas near the river to be prepared to evacuate.

The North Huron Emergency Control Group met again at 7:00pm Friday to address the situation and come up with strategies to ensure the safety of residents.

The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority advises that the water in Wingham continues to rise and levels are expected to peak in the morning of Saturday, June 24. As a result, Emergency Services and Public Works Staff are continuing to closely monitor river levels in the watershed and the Howson Dam.

Residents who have evacuated their properties are encouraged to stay out of their homes until updated information is received in the morning.

Residents who choose to stay in their homes overnight are strongly advised to monitor the situation as conditions may change quickly.

A reception centre has been set up at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex at 99 Kerr Drive in Wingham and will remain open until the threat of flooding has ended.

Residents who encounter high water conditions are encouraged to access the centre anytime throughout the night.

North Huron continues to advise that all areas along the river, including parks and trails will be closed until noon on Saturday, June 24.

*With files from Steve Sabourin

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From 4:46pm:

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

North Huron Emergency Control says the emergency spillway at the Gorrie Dam gave way Friday afternoon. The water is expected to reach Wingham by 6pm.

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.

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 tomorrow.

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 has reached 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.

CORRECTION: On June 23, 2017, it was reported by the Township of North Huron in a news release that the Gorrie dam gave way when it fact it was the emergency spillway at the Gorrie Dam that gave way. The correction has been made in the above article.

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