With additional rain on the way, the Municipality of Neebing has announced a state of emergency following a culvert failure that could cut off access for some residents in the northwestern Ontario area.
Mayor Mark Thibert made the emergency declaration on Sunday after a culvert collapsed on Sturgeon Bay Road, roughly 350 metres west of Mink Mountain Drive’s intersection.
“There’s no way for the residents beyond that point, beyond that juncture to get out of the community if that road is down, or for people to get in, for instance, if there was a fire, emergency or a need for medical emergency or first responders to get in there,” Thibert told Monday morning.
“At the present time, the road is intact and people can travel in and out … [but] with there being more rainfall coming, heavy rainfall later today, we worry that the road is going to become completely unsafe.”
The residents affected by this emergency include those living on Sturgeon Bay Road, Mink Mountain Drive, Island Avenue and Margaret Street North and South.
Meanwhile, special weather statements are currently active across much of northwestern Ontario as communities keep an eye out for potential flooding.
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Mark Thibert is mayor of the Municipality of Neebing. (Mark Thibert/Facebook)
“Significant rainfall will affect much of northwestern Ontario as well as regions around Lake Superior. Confidence in heavy rainfall amounts is highest for regions along the north shore of Lake Superior,” says Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Those under special weather statements can anticipate between 15 and 25 millimetres of rain, while areas under more severe rainfall warnings may experience between 25 and 40 millimetres.
This weather situation is expected to start Monday and ease up by Tuesday morning.
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority issued a flood watch Monday morning covering Thunder Bay, Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge, Shuniah, O’Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion. The Ministry of Natural Resources also declared a flood watch at the same time for residents in Ignace, Upsala, Raith, Kashabowie, Shebandowan, Armstrong and Thunder Bay.
Residents are advised to be cautious while traveling; adhere to all posted signs and barricades; and steer clear of driving through flooded or washed-out areas.- City of Thunder Bay statement
“Between 25 to 40 millimetres of precipitation has been recorded in area gauges over the past five days with the highest amounts logged in the Whitefish River and Current River watersheds. Water levels in local watercourses peaked on Saturday following last week’s rainfall and snowmelt,” said LRCA. The watercourses remain high as of Monday.
“The Neebing River is still diverting through to the Neebing-Mc Intyre Floodway. Road closures in Township of Neebing have been reported.”
Affected areas due to rainfall warnings include:
Armstrong – Auden – Wabakimi Park. Atikokan – Shebandowan – Quetico Park. Beardmore – Jellicoe – Macdiarmid. City of Thunder Bay. Cloud Bay – Dorion. Gull Bay – Black Sturgeon Lake. Ignace – English River. Kakabeka Falls – Whitefish Lake – Arrow Lake. Marathon – Schreiber. Nipigon – Rossport. Savant Lake – Sturgeon Lake. Upsala – Raith.
Affected areas under special weather statements include:
Dryden – Vermilion Bay. Fort Frances – Emo – Rainy River. Geraldton – Longlac – Caramat. Manitouwadge – Hornepayne. Nakina – Aroland – Pagwa. Seine River Village – Mine Centre.
“Water may pool on roads
” , Environment
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Tentative Bridge Setup And Culvert Replacement In Progress
Around 2 ,500 people reside in Neebing , located about 35 kilometres southwest from Thunder Bay. If Sturgeon Bay Road gets shut down , “there’s probably upwards from about 100 people that would be affected ,” Thibert said. The municipality is looking into getting a temporary bridge set up by a private contractor so no one gets stranded. A new culvert should also be installed within one or two days , “and then that section of road rebuilt over top it allowing safe access into & from town again.” An old bush road has also been cleared by crews which would let side-by-sides or ATVs transport folks across where they can’t go otherwise , added Thibert. The municipality might stage first responders across from Mink Mountain area just in case something happens during this time. If possible , residents should avoid unnecessary travel – though Thibert encourages everyone stock up on essentials just in case things take a turn for worse. The City Of Thunder bay issued their own statement regarding washouts & closures affecting rural parts early Monday morning too. “Roads crews are actively monitoring conditions & responding wherever needed ; some roads might be temporarily closed until water levels drop & repairs can be done ,” it reads. “Residents must use caution when traveling ; obey all posted signs/barricades & don’t drive through flooded/washout zones.”Source link
