A moisture laden low pressure system from Texas brought flooding rains, wind, ice and light snow to southwestern Ontario Saturday.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) issued a flood warning early Sunday.
The authority said some areas across the watershed received upwards of 75 millimetres of rain, three inches.
Water levels were continuing to rise in the lower reaches of the Sydenham River Sunday afternoon. Due to risk of significant flooding in Wallaceburg, the McKeough Dam gates have been closed to divert floodwaters.
Officials expressed concern that gusty westerly winds have the potential to create a backwater effect, further elevating water levels in Wallaceburg.
The authority said roads impacted by flooding in St. Clair Township and Enniskillen Township included Stanley Line east of Kimball Road, Pretty Road north of McCallum Line, Durham Creek Line at Black Ash Line, Fairweather Road Between Rokeby Line and Shiloh Line, and Fairweather Road between Oil Springs Line and Aberfeldy Line.
Blackwell Side Road was reported closed Sunday due to flooding and road washout between London Line and Confederation Street.
River banks are expected to be slippery, with possible minor erosion. Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) also issued a flood warning Sunday morning saying the Parkhill area was hardest hit with nearly 100 millimetres of rain recorded north and east of the community.
Environment Canada reported a total of 63 millimetres of rain at Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport. The temperature at the airport rose to a record 11.8 C, 53 F, early Saturday morning before plummeting. Freezing rain and light snow overnight along with wind chills hitting -12 C caused very icy road conditions across the area Sunday.
Sarnia Transit told customers via Twitter to expect some delays.
Please expect delays in ALL Transit Routes as our drivers take necessary precautions to keep everyone safe! pic.twitter.com/stk9B1H8wS
— SarniaTransit (@SarniaTransit) January 12, 2020
