​Heavy rain, snow melt washes out county road near Ripley

The South Bruce OPP has reported that the northbound lanes of Bruce County Road 7, between Concession 2 and 4, south of Ripley, are closed due to sections of the road being washed out.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution.

Bruce County is also notifying the public that some roadways across the county are experiencing flooding because of heavy rain and a swiftly-melting snow pack.

A press release, issued Saturday, states that with current and forecasted weather conditions, the county encourages those travelling to do the following:
 

• Slow down
• Activate your entire lighting system
• Be prepared for possible detours due to road closures
• Use extreme caution if you come across flooded roadways while travelling
• Be aware that fast-moving and deep water may also sweep vehicles off roadways
• It's not recommended to cross flooded sections of a road as the soil underneath may be saturated and become unstable

County operations crews are responding to areas where localized flooding has affected road conditions. It is working closely with OPP to address issues as they arise.

The county appreciates your patience and co-operation.
 

• Bruce County road conditions: www.brucecounty.on.ca/roadconditions
• Ontario road conditions: www.511on.ca
• Weather alerts and forecasts: https://weather.gc.ca
• Storm preparedness: https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods
  www.hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety

Meanwhile, the SVCA has upgraded Thursday's advisory to a flood watch statement, as water levels rise due to warm temperatures and rain.

"Overnight, the watershed received up to 23 millimetres (mm) of rain," states the advisory, issued Saturday. "Rain is forecast to continue this afternoon before tapering off this evening, with additional amounts of up to 10 mm. Temperatures will continue to rise, and are expected to hit a daytime high of 14 degree Celsius today.

"Water levels are expected to continue rising throughout today, with small watercourses likely to reach the top of their banks, resulting in flooding of typical low-lying areas. Larger watercourses will be slower to respond and, depending on the timing and amount of rainfall today, may not reach peak water levels until Sunday or Monday. Warm temperatures are expected to continue until Wednesday, March 18. Forecasts are also advising additional rainfall mid-week. Water levels are expected to remain high."

The SVCA says this flood watch does not require municipalities to take emergency action, though municipal staff is encouraged to continue monitoring low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The public is advised to exercise caution near all watercourses. Stream and river flows will remain strong and hazardous, and riverbanks may be unstable. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly.

SVCA staff will be closely monitoring watershed conditions and will provide an update if conditions change. This message will remain in effect until Wednesday, March 11, at 4:30 p.m., unless updated otherwise. To report flooding in your area, visit our website: saugeenconservation.ca/reportflood.