Middlesex County state of emergency lifted

Middlesex County has terminated its state of local emergency nearly 24 hours after it was issued due to heavy rainfall, and flooding.

Middlesex County Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson convened a meeting of the Middlesex County Emergency Operations Control Group Wednesday evening and declared a state of local Emergency in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

“We are urging all residents of the County to stay at home until conditions improve. We will keep the public updated as more information becomes available,” said Burghardt-Jesson.

A number of schools, both within the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), have also been closed as a result.

Environment Canada estimated total rainfall between 75 to 100 mm by Thursday morning, with some areas of London and Middlesex Centre reaching upwards of 125 mm.

“There is no secret water levels across the region have been rapidly rising, and a number of roads have seen some water issues,” said Burghardt-Jesson.

The weather had prompted Middlesex County to close a number of roads, but those have since reopened.

School closures:

• Glencoe District High School (TVDSB)
• Eckoe Central Public School (TVDSB)
• Mosa Central Public School (TVDSB)
• St. Charles Catholic Elementary School (LDCSB)

“I think everyone is quite concerned with how much water has fallen in a short period of time,” said Burghardt-Jesson.

“It easy to get caught up and think you are safe and that you know the road well, but when water crests and if a culvert is breached, it’s easy to lose your way.”

Residents are asked to avoid driving their vehicle through water or in areas where the road is not viable.

The risk of washouts is possible and driving through water can be extremely dangerous due to hidden objects or the road being weakened or washed away, the County said.

Widespread flooding was also reported in London as the city temporarily closed a section of Oxford St. West between Proudfoot Lane and Beaverbrook Ave. Wednesday night.