A sudden increase in temperature accompanied by significant rainfall on Friday and Saturday brought rapid melt conditions to much of southern Ontario over the weekend. In Meaford, an ice jam on the Bighead River caused minor flooding near the intersection of Trowbridge and Bayfield Streets in the harbour area on Saturday, March 7.
The river, carrying large chunks of ice and other debris, overflowed onto the vacant property below the library on Trowbridge Street, and water and ice in the inner harbour began to flow over the retaining wall on Bayfield Street.
Municipal crews were deployed to help break up the ice jam and to conduct clean-up efforts.
“The Municipality of Meaford would like to advise residents that river flow has been re-established this afternoon following an upstream ice release. Municipal crews have been on-site monitoring conditions and conducting clean-up efforts in the areas impacted by flooding,” said the municipality in a media release issued on Saturday afternoon. “Residents are asked to avoid the river and any remaining ice flow, as conditions remain unpredictable and may shift without warning.”
Minor flooding was also experienced in some rural areas in proximity to the river.
Bayfield Street remained closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, though the Trowbridge Street bridge remained open.
“Residents, motorists, and pedestrians are urged to use caution around the river and avoid flooded or icy areas. Fire Services and Municipal staff are on-site to support safety measures, including temporary barricades where required,” noted the Municipality on Saturday.
