THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Rainfall is impacting Fort Frances, and Couchiching First Nation both of which have declared a State of Emergency today as of 1:50PM CST.
The Emergency is due to very high levels on Rainy Lake and a tremendous amount of rainfall, the community is unable to utilize their water and sewer services within their residences.
Environment Canada has Rainfall Warnings and Special Weather Statements in effect for much of Northwestern Ontario.
There has been a washout just east of Emo on HWY #11 and the highway is closed until further notice.
Anyone heading to Morson, Nestor Falls, Sioux Narrows or Kenora areas should use Baudette/Rainy River to cross the border and avoid this area.There is a way around the washout by accessing River Road from Fort Frances to Emo.
DETOUR/BYPASS details from Lucas at Gateway North Outfitters:
“Turn left just before Mc Donalds by the water tower in Fort Frances and follow it. You will end up coming out by Border Land Esso in Emo. It is really easy if you just stay on the road and do not turn.”
There is no word from Elections Ontario on any special arrangements for voters in Fort Frances or Couchiching First Nation for voting during the state of emergency.
Rainfall warning in effect for:
- Dryden – Vermilion Bay
- Ignace – English River
- Savant Lake – Sturgeon Lake
- Sioux Lookout – Eastern Lac Seul
- Seine River Village – Mine Centre
- Upsala – Raith
Rain, at times heavy, continues.
Rain and isolated thunderstorms will end tonight. Additional rainfall amounts of 20 to 30 mm are expected, with locally higher amounts possible due to thunderstorms.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Special weather statement in effect for:
- City of Thunder Bay
- Marathon – Schreiber
- Nipigon – Rossport
- Cloud Bay – Dorion
- Kakabeka Falls – Whitefish Lake – Arrow Lake
- Geraldton – Longlac – Caramat
- Manitouwadge – Hornepayne
- Nakina – Aroland – Pagwa
- Fort Hope – Lansdowne House – Ogoki
- Webequie
Significant rainfall tonight.
Rain will continue in the Pickle Lake and Fort Hope regions tonight.
In the Pickle Lake – Cat Lake region, the rain will taper off overnight.
In Fort Hope – Webequie, the rain will end Friday afternoon.
Total rainfall amounts in the 20 to 40 mm range are expected.
