LPRCA extends flood warning for entire watershed

LPRCA extends flood warning for entire watershed

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is extending a flood warning for all areas within its watershed.

In a news release issued on Monday afternoon, the LPRCA said water levels in watercourses across the authority “generally remain high and are running swiftly and, in most cases, are still running out of their banks and flooding low-lying areas.”

Most watercourses appear to have peaked, said LPRCA spokesperson Paul Gagnon, but the lower parts of Big Creek are still rising.

In Tillsonburg, Big Otter Creek has now declined by about 1.60 meters since its peak Saturday night. The creek is running close to bank-full and flooding low-lying areas.

Big Otter Creek in the town of Vienna peaked on Sunday night and has since declined but is still very high and flooding low-lying areas, said Gagnon.

The LPRCA said flood coordinators should warn property owners in the most flood-prone areas of Vienna of the potential for flooding.

People are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous.

Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

Landowners are advised to make sure dams, culverts and catch basins are free of debris and functioning properly, if safe to do so.

The flood warning remains in effect until noon on Friday. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and update messages, if necessary.

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