‘Not seen in years’: Meaford, Ont., roads drenched by river flood

Overflowing Bighead River and several road closures in Innisfil are both due to quick thaws and heavy rainfall.

Grey County looks like a scene straight out of a movie.

The Bighead River has flooded with muddy, fast-moving water, spilling beyond the bank in Meaford, Ont. Municipal officials tell CTV News the river “has not responded at this capacity in many years.”

Residents took to social media to share photos after heavy rainfall and a thaw triggered widespread flooding late last week by the harbour.

According to the municipality, the flooding began on Friday evening and continued into Saturday morning. Officials say the situation worsened overnight as the rain continued to fall.

By Saturday around 8 a.m., the river began reacting to the extensive rainfall. Crews were sent to monitor conditions and tackle impacts along municipal roads.

Officials state higher water levels remained in parts of the system, though conditions have improved in some areas as of Wednesday.

“The Bighead River continues to overflow across the overall system; however, within the harbour wharf area, water levels have receded to normal spring conditions,” says the municipality.

The team notes it is still too early to determine the full extent of any damage to infrastructure. “Road crews continue to address washout areas throughout the municipal road network.”

One road closure remains in place Wednesday. The timeline for reopening is undetermined for the 8th Sideroad.

Despite the dramatic scene along the river, officials say they have received no reports of damage to homes, businesses, or vehicles.

“All municipal road resources have been deployed for cleanup efforts. No contracted services have been required,” officials say.

While flooding can occur during certain spring conditions, the municipality notes that this level of response is uncommon. “Flooding can occur during extreme thaw events combined with heavy rainfall; however, the river has not responded at this capacity in many years.”

At this time, the area has been declared safe, “All areas are currently deemed safe for residents, pedestrians, and drivers.” However, a few small washout areas remain blocked off as repairs continue.

Officials say the remaining washout sites are expected to be cleaned up by the end of the day Wednesday, except for 8th Sideroad, which remains closed with no reopening date as of yet.