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Ministry issues flood warning for Blind River region

Some low lying areas already flooded
sandbags
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NEWS RELEASES
MUNICIPALITY OF HURON SHORES
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY
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The Municipality has been advised by Brookfield Power Mississagi Power Trust that, due to current watershed conditions, they have had to increase water discharge rates at  Red Rock Dam

As a result of this advice, Huron Shores has issued a flood watch for residents and properties affected by the Mississagi River water levels. A flood watch asks that you monitor conditions, and exercise increased efforts to ensure personal safety as well as the protection of your property.

While the present water discharge rates do not pose an immediate risk of flood, should Mississagi Power Trust be forced to increase the discharge rate, flooding may become a real possibility.  Should this happen, affected property owners will be contacted again to advise of a flood warning.  A flood warning indicates that flooding may be imminent and you should take immediate measures to ensure personal safety and protection of your property

Public Works has also advised that a portion of Bolton River Road is closed due to the high water level of the Bolton River from the spring freshet, runoff and current rainfall.

Barricades advising of the closure have been placed from just north of the Bolton River Bridge southerly to the road’s intersection with Dayton Road. This is a distance of approximately one (1) kilometre.

In addition, signage has been erected advising of water over the road on a portion of Cameron Road in Dayton along the southwestern edge of Bright Lake.  Access to Cameron Road is limited to the northern intersection with Dayton and Cullis Roads. 

In the Village of Iron Bridge, water is over the road on Mississagi Crescent, Short Street, and Eaket Drive bordering the Mississagi River. The Mississagi River level is high due to the current watershed conditions and the resultant volume of water being released from Red Rock Dam.

Vehicular traffic should use extreme caution when travelling municipal roads particularly at this time of year and watch for Public Works personnel and equipment. Please listen to media advisories and monitor huronshores.ca for further developments.

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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a flood warning is in effect in the district until Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

Residents along the Blind River system should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams. Residents within the Blind River system are advised that the risk of flooding is High and that some low lying areas are already experiencing flood conditions.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Technical Information

Description of weather system

Over the last four days, the areas east of Sault Ste. Marie received 30-50 mm of rain. This compiled with snow melt has led to extremely high water levels in area streams and rivers. Forecasted precipitation for the weekend is less than 5 mm; however the full impact of the rainfall and snow melt may not yet be realized as water makes its way through the watershed. Daytime high temperatures will be between 5 to 10 degrees for the area.

Description of current conditions

The recent warmer temperatures have increased water levels and flows in some of the district’s watersheds as the remaining snow pack continues to melt. A marked increase in water levels through the region has occurred over the last week. Residents within the Blind River system are advised that the risk of flooding is High and that some low lying areas are already experiencing flood conditions. Flooding is possible or already occurring in some low lying areas. Other residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District are advised that low lying areas may also be near flood levels. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

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