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The municipality of West Nipissing has declared a state of emergency as flooding worsens across the region, with rising water levels, road washouts and ongoing rainfall creating a rapidly evolving situation.
CBC News reports that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a flood watch. Municipal crews, Ontario Provincial Police and fire services continue patrols in affected areas.
Several roads are now closed due to flooding. These include:
X Fully closed in both directions in Field.
X Closed between Highway 539 and Lac Clair Road.
X Closed from Hwy 539 to Hwy 575 in Field.
X Closure extended from No. 124 to Point Road.
X Closed from Larocque to the dead end in Field.
X Closed from Shoreline Road to the dead end in Crystal Falls.
Officials are warning motorists not to drive through flooded areas. Residents are also being warned to prepare for possible evacuation if conditions worsen.
West Nipissing has begun distributing sand in several communities, including:
X Jarbeau (outdoor rink)
X Lac Deux Mille (Near Marleau), Quesnel (west end).
X End of Gareau Road, end of Eugene (near Arbour), Avenue du Lac, St-Jean (municipal beach), end of O’Brien Road (near Riddle Road), Cache Lake.
Sandbags are also typically available for purchase at Sturgeon Falls Home Hardware, Simcoe Northern Supply and OCP Construction Supplies in North Bay.
