Significant Flooding in the Town of Essex

Due to the significant amount of rainfall that fell, a Rainfall Warning is currently in effect for the region. Smaller surface drainage features, such as roadside ditches and municipal drains, are expected to be partially or bank full. Low lying areas may see some standing and flowing water as runoff begins to work its way downstream.

In light of these conditions, residents are strongly urged to exercise extra caution and prioritize their safety. It is imperative to avoid areas where flooding has been observed and to refrain from driving on flooded roadways and low-lying zones. Additionally, we remind the community to keep their children and pets away from both flowing and standing water for their safety.

All sports fields remain closed for the day. Please avoid any parks or public spaces where flooding has occurred.

To ensure the safety of you and your loved ones during such conditions, please read the flood safety messaging found HERE.

Residents are kindly requested to promptly report any concerns or issues to the Town of Essex. This can be done by visiting ONLINE or contacting the Town of Essex at 519-776-7336.

In case of an emergency, call 911.

Lakeshore Flood Status Update

Due to the significant amount of rainfall throughout the afternoon and evening of August 23 and into the morning of August 24, the Municipality of Lakeshore is experiencing road, shoreline, and overland flooding. Currently, issues, including some basement flooding, are concentrated in the Stoney Point/Point-aux-Roches and east Belle River areas.

Lakeshore staff have been responding to the rainfall event since 11:30 PM last night. The Municipality is currently in Alert Level 2 of the Flood Rapid Response Plan. Staff continue to monitor the situation and respond to localized flooding issues. Several roads have been closed by both Lakeshore and the County of Essex. An up-to-date map of road closures can be found online at municipal511.ca. Additional updates will be issued as needed.

Residents are asked to follow all road closure signage and refrain from driving over flooded roadways. For questions and concerns, please contact Lakeshore’s Public Service Unit at 519-728-2700.

Sandbags Now Available
Filled sandbags are now available for Municipality of Lakeshore residents impacted by, or at risk of, flooding.

Residents are invited to pick up sandbags at the West Public Works Yard (1089 Puce Road) until 8:00 PM tonight (August 24, 2023).

The Municipality continues to deal with flooding from the significant amount of rainfall experienced throughout the evening of August 23 and into the morning of August 24. There is a risk of additional flooding with more rainfall expected later tonight.

Sandbag Tips

• Sandbags placed in appropriate locations around your home can help minimize the impact of flooding. Sandbags are ineffective for shoreline use as they cannot stop water from coming ashore under strong winds and waves. While they will not stop the water completely, sandbags can help reduce the amount of water entering your home and damaging your property if used correctly.
• Build sandbag walls across external doorways, including sliding doors and garage doors. Place sandbags across entrances to basement windows or vents at the bottom of external walls.
• The height of the sandbag wall will depend on the expected height of the water, however, it is generally 2-3 sandbags rows high.
• How to lay sandbags:
• Lay sandbags as you would lay bricks, offsetting the rows so the gaps between the sandbags are staggered. It is best to offset each row by half of a sandbag.
• If available, use plastic sheeting under the sandbags and continue it up the surface you are protecting to reduce water seepage.
• Start at one end and work through to the other end. Tuck the flap under each sandbag and at the end of the row.
• Flattening the top of the sandbag wall before adding the next row will help you to build a more stable sandbag wall.

Flood Response

Lakeshore staff have been responding to flooding since 11:30 PM on August 23, 2023. Staff continue to monitor the situation and respond to localized flooding issues. Several roads have been closed by both Lakeshore and the County of Essex. An up-to-date map of road closures can be found online at municipal511.ca. Additional updates will be issued as needed.

If you are in a flooded, or flood-prone area, please:

• Monitor the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s Flood Status and Watershed Conditions statements and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s Flood Notices.
• Ensure sump pumps are operating normally.
• Clear any yard catch basins from debris and leaves to help water drain efficiently.
• Monitor your backwater valve and discontinue the use of water if it is closed.
• Avoid using water when possible, to reduce pressure on the municipal system, including flushing toilets.
  Avoid driving on flooded roads.
• If you are experiencing basement flooding, please report it online and:
• Stop using water within the home, including flushing of toilets and using washing machines.
• If your sump pump is overwhelmed and back up pumps are used, please remember to pump storm water out a basement window away from the home or on the driveway and not into the floor drain, laundry tub or other fixtures connected to the sanitary sewer system.
• If water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, or is near the electrical panel, call HydroOne at 1-800-434-1235 to have your power disconnected.

Additional information about flooding can be found at ONLINE.

Advice to Drivers and Homeowners Following Significant Rainfall

With significant rainfall in the last 24 hours and more rain in the forecast, the City of Windsor is asking motorists to use caution on area roadways. Over-the-road flooding is an issue on some local streets as well as locations along E.C. Row Expressway.

Please reduce your speed, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, and avoid driving through flooded areas, especially underpasses. Do not attempt to drive through flooded underpasses, as this can be extremely dangerous. City crews are closely monitoring the situation and have dispatched our emergency response team to the affected areas. If you see a flooded roadway, please call 311 to report it so we can dispatch a crew to the area.

As of 9:00 this morning, 311 had received eight calls regarding basement flooding, 22 reports of road flooding or blocked catch basins and 23 reports of trees damaged or down in the roadway.

Since the endorsement by Council of the Sewer and Coastal Flood Protection Master Plan, over $60 million has been invested in capital projects and programs to address basement flooding citywide. To meet the City’s flood reduction goals, private property owners are encouraged to take an active role in protecting their properties from flood damage and mitigating the stress on the municipal sewer system. Taking action at home is one way that residents can significantly reduce the risk of basement flooding in our community.

What can homeowners do?

• Make sure your home’s downspouts are disconnected from the municipal drain system so that storm water is deposited on lawns or in rain gardens. This reduces the amount of water in the sewers, thereby reducing the risk of sewer backup.
• Ensure the grading around your foundation is sloped away from the exterior walls. This will keep water further from your home where it can pool and drain naturally once the rain ends.
• Make sure your eaves troughs are clear of leaves and other debris so that water doesn’t cascade over the edge and down to your foundation.
• Ensure catch basins are clear of leaves and debris and able to receive water to help to prevent flooding on roadways near your home.
• Check your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.
• Note that the City provides service for blocked sewer laterals (sometimes referred to as “eeling”), through an acceptable cleanout, up to three times in any 24-month period. After that time, the sewer lateral will no longer be provided service until it is replaced. You can contact 311 to request this service.