HUNTSVILLE PREDICTS FLOODING EQUAL TO WORST OF 2013
HUNTSVILLE — The Big East has peaked, but there’s more rain to come the next 72 hours and that means local lakes, at least in north Muskoka, will continue to rise.
That’s the news from the Town of Huntsville as it monitors the worst flooding in six years, with downtown streets flooded.
It’s the same in Bracebridge.
Officials here said Tuesday afternoon in a 4 p.m. briefing that high water levels will continue in the Huntsville area for the next 72 hours, as large amounts of spring runoff are predicted to pass through the water system.
Localized flooding and roads closures will continue “as we experience water levels equal to the 2013 flood event,” says Mike Vadlja, Huntsville’s Fire Prevention Officer.
He says in the release that residents who experienced flooding in 2013 are advised that they are likely to experience a similar situation this year, they advise.
Water levels in the Big East watershed north of Huntsville have peaked and have slowly started to recede, however the prolonged high flow rates will continue to cause flooding throughout the Huntsville area and communities south of us over the next few days.
Huntsville lakes have surpassed the high water mark and will continue to rise over the next few days.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) have removed all logs at the Brunel Locks to assist with lowering Huntsville lakes levels, however, concerns have been raised about the water over-flowing the dam and the Ministry is taking steps to help prevent this from occurring.
Property owners in low-lying areas including areas south of the Brunel Locks are being told they need to take precautionary measures to protect their property.
For tips on doing so please visit the Town of Huntsville website at Huntsville.ca
Emergency services are prepared to assist as needed and residents are reminded to call 911 for emergency calls only
Town public works crews are continuing to repair flooded roads as water recedes.
For road closure updates you can follow them 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.
Town of Huntsville 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 continues to remind residents to stay clear of waterways.
Parents and guardians are also advised to remind children to stay clear of open waters, creeks and rivers.
For more information you can also contact Vadlja and the fire department at (705) 789-5201 fire.inspector@huntsville.ca
