The City of Greater Sudbury says crews are working around the clock to manage flood impacts and protect infrastructure as rising water levels prompt multiple road closures and a continued flood warning across the region. Conservation Sudbury announced Saturday evening its flood warning will remain in effect at least until 7 p.m. on April 27. The authority said the area of flooding is anticipated to be greater than that seen in the spring of 2023. “Recent snowmelt and rainfall have led to elevated water levels across the community, with localized flooding occurring in some areas,” the city said in a news release late Saturday afternoon. City responds to wastewater system pressures “City crews are working 24 hours a day to monitor and manage municipal infrastructure, including lift stations, sewer networks and water treatment facilities,” said city officials. Current city actions include: The city noted that flooding related to rivers and watercourses is monitored by Conservation Sudbury, and flooding caused by rising river and watercourse levels cannot be controlled by the municipality. “Residents located in flood-prone or low-lying areas, including floodplains, should expect an increased risk of flooding and take steps now to protect their property,” said the city. Residents experiencing sewer backups are asked to call 311. The city said that due to high call volumes, residents may not receive a return call, but all reports are being logged and monitored. Conservation authority details rising river levels Conservation Sudbury’s 7 p.m. update Saturday provided specific rates of rise for rivers across the region. The Whitson River in Chelmsford is rising at a rate of about 45 centimetres per day. Residents located within the floodplain, including those near Belanger Street, should be prepared to leave if required. The Whitson River in Val Caron is rising at about 15 centimetres per day. If water levels rise above the banks of the river, residents in the Flake neighbourhood should prepare accordingly. The Vermilion River near Larchmont Drive is rising at about 17 centimetres per day. Conservation Sudbury said the road is already closed, and at the current rate of rise, the road could eventually have more than one metre of water over it in areas. The flooding in that area is expected to last a week or more. The Vermilion River from Centennial Park to the Grassy Lake Road vicinity is rising at 41 centimetres per day. Water is currently over roads in the Grassy Lake area and will continue to rise. The Vermilion River near Desmarais Road is rising at 23 centimetres per day. If the rate continues, the river will overtop the road within the next day. The Onaping River in Dowling is rising at 19 centimetres per day. Conservation Sudbury said this rate is anticipated to continue or increase as runoff from the large snowpack in the north starts to make its way through the watershed. Junction Creek levels have risen eight centimetres in the last day, with levels equal to the peak of last week. Road closures in effect The City of Greater Sudbury announced an updated list of road closures due to rising water levels as of 2:30 p.m. on Sunday: Drivers are reminded to obey all posted signage and avoid driving through flooded areas. “Driving through standing water can create wakes that worsen flooding and cause additional damage to nearby homes and properties,” said the city. Overland flooding ongoing Conservation Sudbury said overland flooding is already occurring in numerous low-lying areas, including parts of the Flour Mill adjacent to Junction Creek, the Nickeldale neighbourhood north of the Ponderosa wetland, Charlotte Street adjacent to Junction Creek, Beverly Drive near Lily Creek, areas of Coniston adjacent to Romford Creek, and areas adjacent to Moose Creek in Wahnapitae. “Everyone should exercise extreme caution around local waterways,” said the conservation authority. Flood preparedness tips for residents The City of Greater Sudbury has issued preparedness tips for residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas identified as high risk. Around your property: Inside your home: If your basement floods: General safety: Residents are advised to consider evacuation if conditions worsen, have a plan for where they will go and what they will take, and follow all emergency instructions and local updates. Sand and sandbags available The city has advised that residents experiencing or at risk of property flooding can access sand and sandbags at one of five Public Works depots. Materials are available on site, and residents are responsible for filling bags themselves. Residents should call 311 for information on the closest depot that has supplies available and staff on hand to provide bags. Residents can determine if they are in an at-risk area by inputting their address in Conservation Sudbury’s online mapping tool. For the latest updates on city flood actions and road closures, visit the Greater Sudbury 24/7 Facebook page. Sudbury Pure Country 91.7 and CTV Northern Ontario are both divisions of Bell Media.
