Highlights:

• A significant localized rainfall event occurred over the Township of Southwold and the Talbot Creek watershed early this morning.
• The Township of Southwold has declared a State of Emergency.
• Roadways have been impacted by flood waters, as have private properties.
• The public is asked to avoid flooded areas and avoid driving through flooded areas, especially flooded roads.
• Water levels are now falling in upstream areas. Talbot Creek is still rising in downstream areas.
• Water levels should be expected to remain high into the weekend.

Message:

Early this morning an unexpected significant rainfall event occurred over the Township of Southwold and the Talbot Creek watershed. The event seemed to be centred over the communities of Shedden and Fingal. Over a roughly 2-hour time period, rainfall amounts between 125 and 150 mm were reported. This amount of rainfall in such a short time period did not provide enough warning time for notification of the public. As a result of the heavy rains, many roads in the community were overtopped by floodwaters. Private properties, including peoples homes have been impacted.

The Township of Southwold has declared a State of Emergency. The public is being asked to avoid flooded area. This includes the public being asked to not drive through flooded areas, nor over flooded roadways.

Water levels in the upstream areas have begun to drop, including in the areas of Shedden and Fingal. However, watercourses are still running high and there is still a lot of standing water around the community. Talbot Creek is still rising in downstream areas. Water levels on Talbot Creek and around the watershed should be expected to remain high for several days into the weekend.

People should take extra caution and avoid Talbot Creek, as well as local ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks, and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. People should stay out of any flooded areas and not drive through flooded roadways. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water.

Neighbouring communities did not receive as much rain as Southwold received and have not been impacted.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory as necessary.
The Township of Southwold will provide updates as required.

This message will be in effect until August 10th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])