NOLALU, Ont. -- Nolalu Fire and Rescue First Response is warning motorists to exercise caution following reports of localized flooding and road washouts.
According to Sarah Shoemaker, Nolalu Fire Resuce First Response chief, at least four roads are completely washed out and 15 more have significant water on the road surface.
Highway 588 is partially washed out but still passable, though Shoemaker said she does not know if that will be the case for much longer.
Old Silver Mountain Road is impassable just west of Leeper Road. Pallisades Road west of Leeper Road is also washed out and there are two places on Leeper Road where the pavement is giving way due to significnat water over the road.
There is also significant localized flooding throughout the area.
"Because we’ve had a history of flooding before we know where the low areas are and there are several residences who have historically been landlocked because they have flooding all around them," Shoemaker said. "We want to make sure those residences are aware the roads are washing out so they have a chance to evacuate if they want to or that they are at least aware it is happening."
The Whitefish River runs directly through the community of Nolalu and there are concerns water levels will continue to rise.
"It all depends on the weather today," Shoemaker said.
The rain began early Tuesday morning and is expected to continue throughout much of the afternoon with approximately 10 millimetres expected by this evening.
People are asked to avoid washed out roadways and stay clear of river banks and streams. The public is advised to call 911 if there is a road or flooding emergency.
Currently, there are several road closures at the following locations:
Highway 588 at Logan Road
Highway 588 at Highway 593
Water over the road:
Old Silver Mountain Road and Leeper Road
Pardee Road and Devon Road
Delint Road and North Side Road
Highway 593 and Sunset Road
Highway 588 and Rintala Loop
Old Mill Road at base of the Bailey bridge.
The Whitefish River is currently 1.9 metres above normal level.
