A flood watch is being issued by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.
Issued on Dec. 31, the watch comes as water levels in streams and rivers have risen between 0.3 and 1 meter since Thursday.
“Most smaller watercourses have already overtopped their banks, and some medium-to-large watercourses are nearing bankfull conditions, specifically in Neustadt, Walkerton, Paisley, Formosa and surrounding areas,” says the authority.
The authority adds as soils are now fully saturated, additional snowmelt and rainfall will result as runoff into watercourses, with localized flooding expected on roadways and in low-lying and flood prone areas.
Additional flooding is also possible, the authority adds, in areas which received high snowfall amounts earlier in the week or areas with rain forecasted.
The authority is advising municipal and county staff to monitor problem areas and prepare to close off low-lying roads. As of Jan. 2, there are no road closures in effect.
“Residents are reminded to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. High water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks make these locations extremely dangerous,” says the authority.
Conservation staff will be monitoring the situation and provide an update if anything changes. The current watch message will be in place until Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. as significant rain fall is expected for that day.
