By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Both Wilmot and East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) townships were hit hard by extreme weather conditions earlier this week as severe thunderstorm watches and warnings were a regular occurrence Monday and Tuesday.Due to the wet conditions, the Township of Wilmot closed baseball diamonds in New Dundee, Petersburg and St. Agatha, as well as the soccer fields and the Wilmot off-leash dog park in William Scott Park. The township also shut down the Nith River Promenade due to high water levels.
The Grand River Conservation Authority issued a flood outlook on Tuesday. it said parts of the watershed have received up to 80 millimetres of rain and water levels and flows in rivers and streams throughout the watershed are elevated. They are asking residents to exercise caution and stay away from fast-flowing water.
EZT issued a road closure late Tuesday afternoon following the heavy rains. The 16th Line between Maplewood and Cassel sideroads was closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles due to flooding.
EZT public works manager Tom Lightfoot provided the Gazette with a synopsis of how the heavy rain affected the township on Tuesday.
“Following the additional rain, we had further flooding on the rural roads. The 13th (Line) flooded again, and yesterday afternoon we had to close the 16th Line between Maplewood Sideroad and Cassel Sideroad due to water flowing across the road. Last night, we had to close the 17th Line between Cassel Sideroad and Oxford Road 5. This section also had water flowing across the road and it will take a couple loads of gravel to repair. We hope to have the roads reopened later (Tuesday) morning.”
He added Queens Park had some flooding by the playground area. Staff closed the area but it was reopened when the water receded.
“There were two significant rain events we had today. Hopefully, we can get some dry weather for a few days,” Lightfoot said.
Tavistock Minor Baseball cancelled its games Monday and Tuesday.
“The diamonds have been too wet to play on. We have to ensure the players have a safe surface and we're trying to make sure the diamonds are in good shape for the Cephus Roth Memorial Tournament this weekend,” said president Dave Nahrgang.