For Immediate Release                                                                           

Subject: Declaration of a Significant Weather Event

In response to a major rainfall warning in effect in our area, the Township of Minden Hills has declared a Significant Weather Event at 5:00 p.m. local time that will impact travel and services throughout the municipality. This declaration is made pursuant to Ontario Regulation 239/02, Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.

The declaration may change how or when the municipality performs its maintenance operations and may increase the amount of time to bring the roads back to a state of repair. The Township of Minden Hills is advising residents to use caution on restricted access roads, and if you must travel, please use extreme caution as the municipality may not be able to meet its maintenance standards for roads due to heavy rains and spring freeze/thaw cycles.

All municipal buildings will remain open as per regular schedules.

Municipal Staff would like to thank the residents and businesses for their understanding and cooperation on this matter.

The Township of Minden Hills will provide updates when the significant weather event has ended.

Please see the full rainfall warning from Environment Canada below.

1:18 PM EST Friday 8 March 2024

Significant rainfall expected tonight through Saturday. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. This rainfall warning replaces the special weather statement previously in effect. Hazard: Rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm.

Timing: Tonight through Saturday.

Discussion: Rain will progress northeastward into the area this evening, and will continue through Saturday before tapering off late in the day. The heaviest rainfall is most likely tonight into Saturday morning.

For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office.

Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

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