The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority says the gates of the W. Darcy McKeough Dam are being reopened as the waters of the Sydenham River slowly recede.
The conservation authority updated its flood warning Friday, saying as water levels in Wallaceburg permit, the gates are being opened gradually until the north branch can safely flow through the flood-prone town.
Localized flooding continues along the main branches of the Sydenham River and its major tributaries and many roads remain closed in St. Clair Township, Enniskillen Township and Chatham-Kent.
The authority says water levels across the watershed will continue to fall through the weekend, returning to normal levels by Monday.
Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas because of the danger of swift-moving water and wet, slippery banks.