THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay and several surrounding communities are under a flood warning after heavy rains hit the area overnight – with more heavy rains expected in the forecast.
The Lakehead Region Conservation Area says in addition to Thunder Bay, the municipalities of Oliver Paipoonge, Neebing, Shuniah, along with the townships of O’Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion are may be affected by rising water levels.
Between 21 and 35 millimetres of rain were recorded overnight in the area, with up to 10 millimetres more expected.
Whitefish River is rising at a rapid pace, washing over roads in some spots, while the Village of Hymers is experiencing flooding.
Levels on the Kaministiquia, Current River and McIntyre River are also extremely high.
In an update issued Thursday afternoon, the LRCA said area watercourses that had risen throughout the day were beginning to peak. With additional rain forecast for the evening, along with isolated thunderstorms, however, those levels could continue rising overnight.
Many roads in the LRCA's jurisdiction are flooded, it said, warning anyone travelling overnight to be aware conditions could change rapidly, resulting in further flooding of roadways.
Prolonged periods of high water are expected, the agency said.
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
The LRCA will continue to monitor the situation and the public is advised to pay attention to local forecasts while using caution on and around local waterways.
Parents are cautioned to keep children away from all waterways and to discuss the potential hazards.
