UPDATE: In a Saturday morning update from SVCA, water levels in the South Saugeen River peaked in the latter part of Friday and are quickly receding. Levels are still well above normal, however, and due caution is warranted. Flood levels over the past 24 hours on the South Saugeen River greatly exceeded previous records, from the past 30 to 40 years.

The Main Saugeen River at Walkerton crested at approximately 5:00 am this morning and levels should recede through the rest of today.

Downstream of Walkerton through to Paisley and Southampton, the Main Saugeen River is still climbing.

The Flood Warning status is now lifted for those municipalities in the South Saugeen River Watershed, including portions of the Municipalities of Wellington North, Southgate, Minto, West Grey and South Bruce.

The Flood Watch remains in effect throughout the watershed as many streams are still running bank full. Water levels will remain high for the next 48 hours.

Rainfall occurred over all of the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) Watershed last night with amounts ranging from 20mm up to 149mm. The heaviest rainfall occurred in the South Saugeen River Watershed, especially the Mount Forest area. Water levels on the South Saugeen are rising rapidly and will continue to rise through today.

There is a Flood Watch in effect in the SVCA Watershed including in the Saugeen Shores area while a Flood Warning is issued for the South Saugeen River watershed. At the current time, flooding is occurring in the municipalities of Wellington North, Southgate, and Minto. Public Works staff should continue to monitor road and culvert conditions.

Staff will be monitoring the situation throughout the day.

For safety reasons residents are advised to stay away from watercourses and streambanks.

With the weekend approaching, those people considering recreational use of the waterways, such as for canoeing and kayaking, should be cautious and check water conditions before proceeding.

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor Watershed river flow and weather conditions. This message is in effect until 5:00 pm on Monday, June 26, 2017 unless a further message is issued.