Greater Sudbury is under flood watch, with Highway 537 in the Wanup/Estaire area closed because of high water levels.
A release Thursday morning from the Sudbury OPP said the roadway is closed between Henschel Road and St. Cloud Road.
“There is no detour available and it is unknown how long the highway will be closed,” the release said.
Also Thursday, the Nickel District Conservation Authority announced all of Greater Sudbury was under a flood watch.
“With all of the rain that has been received since August, and on top of the near record 70 mm received in the previous 24-hour period, ground conditions are super-saturated,” the NDCA said in a release. “Levels and flows on all watercourses and waterbodies are extremely high and will continue to increase for some time to come.”
With Environment Canada calling for as much as 40 mm of rain in the next 24 hours, flooding can be expected in low-lying areas across the city.
“The NDCA strongly encourages residents living in these flood-prone areas to very closely monitor developing conditions,” the release said. “Cold, fast-flowing water must be avoided as a result of the high levels and flows due to all the rainfall received.”
And in a release Thursday afternoon, Greater Sudbury Police Service call on parents to remind their children of the dangers of fast-flowing waters.
"Everyone who resides near a waterway, or whose children may need to go near creeks or rivers when walking to school, should take some time to discuss the consequences of approaching open water when levels are high and the flow is rapid," the release said. "With the recent amount of rainfall and more in the forecast, edges of creeks and rivers are unpredictable; they could easily give way if someone gets too close."
Police are also urging motorists to use extra caution while driving this afternoon and every other time when there is heavy rain and reduced visibility.
"Hydroplaning can occur when tires lose contact with the road during wet conditions," the release said. "When water collects on roadways, vehicle tires can begin to hydroplane, similarly to water skiing, at speeds as low as 50 km/hr. Hydroplaning makes it difficult to steer or brake safely and at greater speeds, a total loss of control can occur. Drivers should slow down in all wet conditions.
"The posted speed limit is a maximum speed for ideal driving conditions and in wet or other adverse conditions; the posted limit may be an unsafe driving speed."
Additional safety tips:
-- Motorists should inspect and maintain tires with good tread depth, which are designed to divert water as they roll. Worn tires are ineffective at diverting water. New tires are much less expensive than the costs of a collision.
-- If you start to hydroplane, do not swerve or brake rapidly. It’s best to take your foot off of the accelerator and gradually slow down.
-- Do not activate the cruise control feature on wet roadways. You are more in tune with the conditions around you when it is off.
-- Commercial drivers can regain control of their large vehicles by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch. This will slow your vehicle and let the wheels turn freely.
"Please reduce your speed today and always drive according to conditions," the release said. "The faster you drive, the harder it is for your vehicle to maintain traction in wet conditions."
Anyone experiencing flooding problems should call the city's main number, 311, which operates 24 hours a day.
The city's website has a lot of general advice and steps residents can take to minimize the threat of flood damage, including:
– Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
– Keep your eavestroughs free of debris.
– Ensure your window wells have proper drainage.
– Clear the storm sewer grates in front of your property of debris.
More information can be found at http://www.greatersudbury.ca/living/emergency-preparedness/prepare-for-emergencies/know-what-to-do/hazard-preparedness1/flood/
And a release from the city offers some ideas to help reduce the risk of basement flooding:
-- Minimize home water use during heavy rainfall. Do not use washing machines or dishwashers and flush
toilets in moderation.
-- If there is a storm sewer grate near your property, check it for debris. If you can remove the debris with
a broom or shovel, please do so. If you cannot remove the debris, please contact the City of Greater
Sudbury for assistance by dialing 3-1-1.
-- Check your sump pump to ensure it is operating and your sump pit to ensure it is not blocked by debris.
-- Reposition your downspout, if necessary, to direct water away from the foundation and any
neighbouring properties.
-- Valuables stored on basement floors should be moved to a safe location if you are concerned about
flooding.
-- Know what to do if your basement floods. The City of Greater Sudbury offers sewer back up information
on its web site at www.greatersudbury.ca/flooding
-- The most important thing is protection from electrical shock. Do not enter a flooded basement without
rubber boots and do not touch anything metal. Contact your hydro utility and gas utility for disconnects,
if necessary. If your basement is flooded with sewage, contact a licensed plumber as a first step.
Instruct your children to stay away from fast moving water. If you encounter a flooded road, do not attempt
to drive or walk through the flooded area. If you are in a vehicle surrounded by rising water, leave the
vehicle and proceed to safe
