Depending on the area, between 40 and 130mm of rain fell early on Friday morning, causing extensive flooding throughout the county.
The storms flooded homes, closed many roads, caused at least one power outage and tasked area works crews with extensive cleanup.
The hardest hit areas were Minto (notably Harriston) and Mapleton (especially in Drayton).
And while residents woke to find massive flooding on Friday morning, Grand River Conservation Area (GRCA) officials warned that water levels may not peak until Friday afternoon.
For example, flood co-ordinators were asked to warn residents in Drayton and shop owners along the Elora boardwalk that river levels are expected to peak Friday afternoon and remain high for much of the weekend.
Mapleton
The following roads were closed on Friday morning in Mapleton:
– 8th Line between Wellington Road 11 and Sideroad 16;
– 6th Line between Sideroad 16 and Wellington Road 12;
– Sideroad 17 between Wellington Road 8 and 12th Line;
– Sideroad 6 between Wellington Road 7 and Concession 14;
– Elm Street in Drayton, at the fairgounds;
– Sideroad 17 between 16th Line and 14th Line;
– 16th Line between Sideroad 16 and Wellington Road 11;
– Sideroad 18 between Wellington Road 8 and 8th Line;
– Sideroad 19 between 8th line and Wellington Road 8; and
– Sideroad 18 between 16th Line and 18th Line.
The township is “continuing to assess road conditions and the township may provide updates on further road closures,” stated a press release from the township.
Minto
Also very hard hit by rain, there was extensive flooding in Minto, particularly in the Harriston area.
“Many Harriston streets are considered impassible; and Minto Fire is asking all residents to stay in their houses,” stated a press release from the fire department.
“We ask everyone in the immediate area to be prepared for water levels to continue to rise and possible evacuations if more rain where to occur.
“Continue to watch the Town’s and Minto Fire websites as well as our social media and local News outlets for further updates.
The Town of Minto is also asking that Harriston residents limit the water entering the sewage system ,as all the rain will cause the system to run at capacity. Staff are monitoring the situation.
Among the many notable road closures in Harriston is Highway 89 from Blindline to Harriston is closed in both directions.
Rainfall amounts across the Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds overnight varied between 40 mm and 130 mm, according to the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), which encompasses about half of Minto.
“Small streams are reacting quickly and rising as much as 0.5 metre in an hour in some areas,” states an MVCA press release.
“Larger rivers will continue to rise throughout the day and into tomorrow.
“The public is reminded that unseasonably fast flows will create hazardous conditions around all watercourses.”
Centre Wellington
The list of road closures on Friday morning in Centre Wellington Township included:
– 6th Line West Garafraxa, North of Wellington Road 18;
– Eramosa-Garafraxa Townline at 4th Line of West Garafraxa;
– 1st Line West Garafraxa, between Sideroad 15 and Sideroad 20;
– Green Valley Road in Belwood, between Conservation Trail;
– Conservation Trail in Belwood, between Green Valley Road and Green Valley Road; and
– 1st Line Pilkington, between Sideroad 5 and Sideroad 11.
“The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies,” stated a township press release.
“Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with current weather conditions, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.”
Wellington North
In Wellington North, Highway 6 was closed Friday morning between Sideroad 6 and Sideroad 7, Kenilworth, due to flooding.
Highway 89 is also closed from Wellington Road 6 to O’Dwyer’s Road on the west end of Mount Forest.
Southeast of Mount Forest there were about 150 Hydro One customers without power after a tree fell on a line in the area.
Grand Valley
Over 100mm of rain fell in the Grand Valley area, according to the GRCA.
Highway 25 through the Town of Grand Valley was closed Friday morning and portions of the town were flooded, with multiple road closures.
“Flooding through Grand Valley is expected to be similar to flooding that occurred in December 2008,” stated the GRCA.
“Levels through Grand Valley area expected to peak Friday morning, dependant on whether additional rainfall occurs.”
Other areas/updates
Areas to the south and east of the county, including Erin, Guelph-Eramosa and Puslinch, did not appear to receive as much rain as the central and northern portions of the county, and thus did not experience as much flooding.
For updates and flood warnings, county residents are asked to visit the websites and/or social media accounts of their municipality and local conservation area.
The Advertiser will be providing updates as well on its website and Twitter account (@wellyadvertiser).
