A flood warning remains in effect for Lambton Shores and North Middlesex following heavy rain earlier this week. The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) says the flood watch for the rest of the watershed has ended.
More rain is expected overnight Friday (April 4) and into Saturday, but only about 10 to 15 millimetres. This is not expected to cause more flooding.
Heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday brought between 50 and 70 millimetres across the region. That led to river flooding in low-lying areas and the closure of several roads. Some roads in North Middlesex are still closed due to high water.
In areas still under the flood warning, water levels are expected to peak in Port Franks and the Thedford-Klondyke Marsh area today and over the weekend. The Parkhill Dam has helped reduce flooding in places like Parkhill Creek and Grand Bend. ABCA staff are managing the dam to keep reservoir levels safe and ready for more rain. Dam operations are expected to continue through the weekend.
In other areas, water levels are starting to drop. The Ausable River is going down in Exeter, Crediton, and Ailsa Craig. Smaller rivers and creeks are also returning to normal. The Bayfield River is still high but has lowered since yesterday’s peak.
The current warning will remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, unless there are changes. ABCA will continue to monitor the weather and water levels and will share updates if needed.
More information can be found at www.abca.ca.
Written by: K. Milhomens