Flooding continuing to impact the region forcing road and trail closures

Dangerous flood levels expected in the coming days in already badly hit areas.

Flood conditions aren’t easing up as more rain continues to soak the region.

The Town of Huntsville is under a flood warning, which is set to be in place until Wednesday.

Water levels could increase further as Environment Canada has warned 15 to 20 millimetres of rain is expected Saturday.

Officials are actively monitoring local water levels, waterways, flood situations and road conditions, while urging residents to take extra care when travelling, stay away from flooded areas and obey posted signage.

In particular, Huntsville’s downtown core and Port Sydney are especially vulnerable as they are in low-lying areas and more prone to flooding. The Town advises property owners and businesses in those areas to take the proper precautions.

One of those precautions is sandbags, which are available for free 24/7, as long as people bring their own shovels. Residents can pick them up along with associated materials any time at the Active Living Centre upper parking lot in Huntsville and at the Port Sydney Fire Department.

If a property is in a flooded area and well water is being used, officials say residents should assume the water is not safe to drink.

During the flood warning, crews are working to assess and repair damaged roads. Residents are being asked to adhere to all road closure signs and barricades, as even shallow water can be dangerous and potentially hide washouts or debris.

• IN PICTURES: Widespread flooding impacts communities across the region

The following roads are closed:

• Cann Street
• Old North Road from civic address 137 to Fowlers Road
• Silver Sands Road at civic address 58
• Dyer Memorial Road

The following roads have water on them:

• South Drive
• Harp Lake Road at Ena Drive
• Old Muskoka Road
• Sam English Road
• Whitehouse Road
• Rockhaven Road
• Glen Acres Road
• Stephenson Road 12 West

In addition to roads, some parks and trails are closed:

• Town Dock Park
• Hunter’s Bay Trail
• Indian landing
• Avery Beach
• Goodwin Park
• Brunel Locks
• Riverview Park
• Rowe Dock
• Buck Lake
• Hutcheson Beach

Several other communities in the region are dealing with high water levels, including Minden Hills, which remains under a state of emergency due to excess water and flood conditions.

Homes in the Minet’s Point area in Barrie are also experiencing flooding.

Showers are expected to let up later Saturday afternoon and will turn to snow by Sunday into Monday as temperatures lower in much of the region.

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