HUNTSVILLE 3RD TOWN TO DECLARE FLOOD EMERGENCY THURSDAY
HUNTSVILLE — A third area community hit hard by flooding has declared an emergency.
Huntsville, which is near the top end of the flood waters, made the announcement effective at noon Thursday, April 25.
“The Town of Huntsville would like to notify residents that Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the area advising that rain will be heavy starting Thursday night with total rainfall amounts of 25 to 40 millimetres forecasted by late Friday night with local amounts possibly exceeding 50 mm.
“Given these facts the Town of Huntsville has declared a State of Emergency as of 12:00pm, April 25, 2019,” says a town release just before 1 p.m.
The announcement comes after Bracebridge declared a similar emergency Tuesday and Minden Hills followed suit Wednesday.
Ottawa also declare a flood emergency Thursday.
Huntsville town officials say that by declaring this, staff will have access to the additional and necessary resources if in fact we receive the predicted rain fall amounts that will impact high water levels.
And it allows them to apply for assistance from the province, a complication that in the 2013 flooding apparently made it difficult to access that funding because the emergency declaration was not issued during the crisis, but afterwards.
They say that as of noon Huntsville lakes continue to rise at a slower rate.
Water levels in the Big East River are slowly lowering and we continue to see rising waters and flooded roads south of Brunel Locks and throughout the Port Sydney area.
Town officials say property owners in low-lying areas will need to take precautionary measures to protect their property.
For flooding resources and sand bag information please visit the Town of Huntsville website at Huntsville.ca
Town of Huntsville Emergency Control Group and MNRF Officials will continue to monitor conditions and updates will be issued as required. Residents are encouraged to monitor local media outlets, the MNRF and the Town of Huntsville website for updates
The town says it will be providing another update Thursday with additional information following the Emergency Control Group’s 2 p.m. meeting.
Emergency services are prepared to assist as needed and residents are reminded to call 911 for emergency calls only
Residents are reminded that if they have flood damage to contact their insurance provider
For road closure updates follow us on Facebook , Twitter, or follow our newsfeed.
Please note that flooded roads are closed for public safety and it is illegal to drive on a closed road.
Officials also urge everyone stay clear of waterways.
Parents and guardians are also advised to remind children to stay clear of open waters, creeks and rivers.
