Aerial footage captures mass flooding across parts of Orillia and Severn

The Ministry of Natural Resources is keeping a watershed conditions statement in place as flooding is still a big concern.

Aerial footage obtained by CTV News shows widespread flooding across parts of Orillia and Severn this week as rising water levels continue to impact low-lying areas.

Officials say conditions are expected to remain a concern as snowmelt and runoff continue to drain into local lakes, rivers and ponds.

In response, the City of Orillia has set up a temporary self-serve sandbag station at the Collins Drive Launch Ramp, located at 425 Collins Drive.

The station provides sand only, and people are required to bring their own bags and shovels.

City officials say crews are actively responding to flooding in several areas of Sunshine City. Drivers could encounter road closures and delays as staff work to keep residents safe.

Flooding has also affected areas of Severn Township. Hampshire Mills Road was closed Wednesday after water covered parts of the road, and officials later shut down the area due to worsening conditions.

The township has also announced the immediate closure of Burnside Line between Maple Valley Road and Jermey Road due to flooding.

A detour has been set up using Carlyon Line.

As a precaution, Severn has opened four self-serve sandbag stations for residents: Washago Centennial Park at 3376 Quetton Street, Intersection of Cambrian Road and Canal Road, Lauderdale Point Crescent at Peninsula Point Road and Bennett Avenue, and Coldwater Community Centre at 11 Michael Anne Drive.

The stations provide sand and burlap bags, but the township says residents must bring their own shovels.

The Ministry of Natural Resources issued a Watershed Conditions Statement last week. Officials say the advisory remains in effect until Friday, and applies to areas including Severn, Ramara, Tiny and Tay, as well as the Severn and Black rivers and Sparrow Lake.

The ministry warns that water levels and river flows may increase due to continued precipitation, melting snow and higher temperatures.

Residents are being reminded to be cautious around rivers, streams and other bodies of water. Lower-lying areas that have experienced flooding in the past may once again be affected.