Officials in Tecumseh say their plan to deal with potential flooding has been in place for some time.
The town provided an update on its flood-preparedness situation Wednesday afternoon. The response plan has included clearing drainage channels, conducting topographical surveys of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair shorelines to gauge flooding risk, and having sandbags ready for residents along the lake and Pike Creek. An emergency flood plan was approved by Tecumseh Town Council almost two weeks ago.
Mayor Gary McNamara said despite the weather conditions pushing water levels past their limits, the town has been keeping up.
"We have surpassed all previous high lake levels and expect an additional two to four inches before the waters recede,” said McNamara. "In addition to the high water levels, the north-northeast winds are creating waves that are beating our shorelines and threatening to breach breakwalls. We are taking every measure possible to shore up our defences and ensure our residents are prepared and protected."
Despite the conditions, the town has not implemented a wake-free zone on the river or lake like its counterparts in Windsor and LaSalle. However, boaters are being asked to respect the shoreline and use caution when using motorized watercraft close to shore.
Tecumseh has convened an emergency control group that includes representatives from Enbridge, Essex Power, ERCA, Ontario Provincial Police, Tecumseh Fire and Rescue, and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Their first meeting is set for next Thursday, July 25 with all information discussed expected to be posted soon after at the town's official website.
Sandbags for those along the lake and creek shorelines are available for pickup at Tecumseh Town Hall during normal weekday hours. Sand is available for bagging at the Lakewood Park South parking lot. The town has provided a YouTube link to a tutorial on sandbag wall building.