Flooding prompts state of emergency

WINDSOR, ONT. — The mayors of the southwestern Ontario communities of Windsor and Tecumseh have declared states of emergency as they deal with flooding caused by heavy rain.

With numerous basements and roads flooded, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told a news conference Thursday that a state of emergency was declared to get access to support from higher levels of government.

In Tecumseh, where officials say 190 millimetres of rain has fallen since Wednesday night, Mayor Gary McNamara declared an emergency, noting that all pumping stations were operating at maximum capacity and more rain was expected.

Environment Canada says several rounds of showers and thunderstorms will continue to affect Essex County into Friday, with additional rainfall amounts expected to be in the 40 to 70 mm range.

They say the normal rainfall amount for the whole month of September in Windsor-Essex is about 94mm.

Provincial police say many roads in the Tecumseh area have been flooded and are urging drivers to avoid flooded areas, and they also say parents should keep children far away from water run-off areas, rivers, creeks and streams.

The Chatham-Kent area also is receiving significant rainfall, and Environment Canada says rainfall amounts of 30 to 60 mm are forecast by Friday evening for much of the region.