Flood warning updates for Sudbury, French River declares state of emergency

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French River declares state of emergency

Rain continues, highs near 18 Friday, snow Sunday

North Bay, French River also affected by flooding

Spring melt causes flooding across northeastern Ont.

Snowmelt, rain trigger flood warning in northern Ontario

Flood warnings issued for North Bay, Parry Sound & Manitoulin

Flood warnings for Greater Sudbury and vicinity were updated Wednesday afternoon, while French River declared a state of emergency because of fast-rising water levels.

Conservation Sudbury said in a statement that water levels in smaller watercourses are elevated.

“Major systems (Onaping, Vermilion, Whitson, Wanapitei) are rising steadily,” the statement said.

“Overland flooding is already occurring in numerous low-lying areas and water levels continue to increase. Localized ponding on streets can also be expected to continue.”

Runoff produced by snowmelt will result in continued rising water levels in all area watercourses, Conservation Sudbury said.

“It is anticipated that the area of flooding will be greater than that seen in spring of 2023. Residents living in all flood-prone areas should prepare accordingly.”

Residents in areas that have flooded in the past should be alert, including parts of the Flour Mill adjacent to Junction Creek, Nickeldale neighbourhood north of the Ponderosa wetland, Charlotte Street adjacent to Junction Creek, Beverly Drive near Lily Creek, areas of Coniston adjacent to Romford Creek, and areas adjacent to Moose Creek in Wahnapitae.

“Added to the warning are large rivers in the region and specifically Riverbend Road adjacent to the Wanapitei River, Larchmont Drive, Carol Road, and Grassy Lake Road along the Vermilion River, the Vermilion River bridge on Desmarais Road and low-lying areas in Dowling along the Onaping River,” the statement said.

“At the current rate of rise, it is anticipated that levels similar to the 2023 freshet event will be met or exceeded in the next one to two days.”

The melting snowpack has a water content roughly double the seasonal average. Coupled with recent rainfall, many watercourses now extend beyond the top of banks, inundating nearby neighbourhoods or streets.

Temperatures are expected to reach 17 C in the next few days, along with 10 mm of rain forecast for Thursday and 20 mm on Saturday.

“Any open-water areas will continue to widen and these must also be avoided,” the statement said.

“Conservation Sudbury remains in direct contact with the City of Greater Sudbury and all other partners as required. Staff continues to monitor water levels and updates will be provided when needed.”

In French River, a news release from the town Wednesday said that a state of emergency has been declared, with residents urged to “take precautionary measures to protect their dwellings.”

Areas vulnerable to increased flooding include:

• Wolseley Bay area (Hwy 528, Hwy 528A, Ash Bay Road)

• Ranger Bay area (Brousseau, Leger, Turenne, Jean, Gilbert, Lise, Voyageur, etc.)

• Dry Pine Bay area (Bakers’ Bay, Whippoorwill, Dry Pine, Cowbay, Hwy 607, Hwy 607A, etc.)

Roads that are closed and impassable include Shaw Road between kilometre markers 2-4; Monetville Road before the swamp 1.4 km; and Taillon Road at No. 640.

Roads that have reopened include Mayer Road at Nadon Street and Prevost Road.

Sandbags available

“Do not drive through flooded areas -- water depth and road conditions can be unpredictable and may be washed out,” the release said.

“Obey all posted road closure signs and barricades. Public Works crews are actively monitoring and responding to affected areas.”

Sandbags are available at the Alban Fire Hall from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sand is located at the Alban Community Centre.

And Sandbags are available at the municipal office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sand is located at the Noelville Arena.

“Sandbags are to be used to protect homes and accommodations, not for secondary structures and shorelines,” the release said.

“Boaters are urged to drive respectfully and to slow down on waterways due to high waters and unknown risks associated with floating debris. Please be mindful that wakes can cause significant damage to shorelines and properties in low-lying areas. Please respect your neighbours.”