All roads reopened in Middlesex County after heavy rain, severe flooding

Conditions are improving in Middlesex County following a two-day soaking that left many roads and streets underwater.

County officials announced late Thursday morning all roads have been reopened. However, drivers continue to be told to use caution while traveling as there are a number of shoulders that have been washed out.

A low-pressure system moving across southwestern Ontario from the U.S. midwest brought a significant rain system that dumped more than 100 millimetres over a 48 hour period. During the worst of the rainfall on Wednesday night, all roads in Southwest Middlesex, west of London, were closed because of severe flooding. A state of emergency was quickly declared in Middlesex County and residents were advised to stay home.

Road crews were out in full force overnight assessing damage and as of Thursday morning continue to monitor and make repairs.

“I would like to thank the county’s emergency response team for its decisive response to the serious flooding caused by yesterday’s rainfall,” Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson said in a statement issued Thursday. “We will continue to work with our local municipal partners to address the damage caused and ensure our roads are safe for travel.”

The significant weather event led to bus cancellations and the closure of four schools in Glencoe – Glencoe District High School
Eckoe Central Public School, Mosa Central Public School, and St. Charles Catholic Elementary School.

In London, Dingman Drive between Highbury Avenue South and Old Victoria Road and Sunningdale Road just east of Highbury Avenue are closed due to flooding.

Residents are asked to clear catch basins near their home to help reduce localized flooding on city streets.

The heavy rainfall also saw the Thames River swell over its banks, causing severe flooding in Harris Park and Gibbons Park, both of which are now closed to the public. The City of London also closed all sports fields including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, cricket pitches, and beach volleyball courts. In the case of the Windemere, North London, and Pulham baseball diamonds, flooding will keep the closure in place until at least Monday.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is warning people to stay away from waterways as they are running high and very fast.

Environment Canada has ended the rainfall warning, which was originally put in place on Tuesday, but wet weather will remain in the area until Friday afternoon. The forecast for London and Middlesex County calls for showers to continue through the day and night Thursday. For Friday there is a 40 per cent chance of showers before clouds finally give way to sunshine in the afternoon.


Read original story from London Ontario – BlackburnNews.com

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