March 11, 2026 – 11:30 a.m. Flood Warning in Effect for Huron-Kinloss; Residents Encouraged to Stay Home
The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has issued a Flood Warning for the Nine Mile River watershed, including Lucknow and surrounding areas in the Township of Huron-Kinloss. Flooding is imminent or already occurring, following a band of heavy thunderstorms early this morning that delivered 40–60 mm of rainfall between Goderich and Lucknow. Headwater areas around Lucknow are currently at flood stage.
Residents in low-lying areas of Lucknow should monitor conditions closely and be prepared for possible flooding. Rural roads are at high risk of washouts, and fast-moving water and flooded roadways may create hazardous conditions.
Riverine areas downstream of Lucknow may experience flooding greater than observed during the 2008 and 2018 events. Smaller streams, shoreline gullies, and municipal drains across the Township may flood or experience washouts due to fastmoving water and erosion. Highway 21 is closed between Amberley Rd. and Blyth Rd. due to flooding.
Please Stay Home if Possible
Localized flooding has been reported in several areas of Huron-Kinloss. Road conditions may change quickly, and some rural roads are at high risk of washouts. For your safety, we encourage residents to avoid nonessential travel today.
If you must travel, please check Municipal 511 for realtime road closures and conditions.
Never drive through floodwaters. Even shallow water can hide dangerous road damage or strong currents.
Stay Safe Near Waterways & Changing Ice Conditions
Snowmelt, heavy rain, and warmer temperatures can cause water levels and ice conditions to change quickly. Please keep these safety tips in mind:
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Stay back from riverbanks and shorelines. Saturated ground and erosion can make edges unstable.
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Keep children and pets a safe distance away from rivers, streams, and drainage areas.
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Avoid all ice activities. Melting ice can weaken from underneath and may not be visible.
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Never walk or drive through flooded or fast‑moving water. It may be deeper or more dangerous than it appears.
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Secure outdoor items if you live near water or in a flood‑plain area, including patio furniture and garbage bins, to prevent loose items from creating blockages downstream.
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Call 911 in an emergency. Do not attempt rescue from icy or fast‑moving water on your own.
Protecting Your Property
Residents may experience increased runoff around foundations. A few quick steps can help reduce the chance of water entering basements:
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Check your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly. Consider a battery backup in case of power outages.
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Clear basement drains to help water move away efficiently.
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Shovel snow away from your foundation—even 3 to 5 feet of clearance helps reduce seepage.
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Extend downspouts 2 metres (6 ft) to direct water away from basement walls.
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Move valuables, electronics, or stored items to higher levels if your basement is prone to water entry.
More guidance on preparing your home for spring flooding is available through the Government of Canada’s floodreadiness resources.
Monitoring & Updates
The MVCA Flood Warning for the Nine Mile River watershed remains in effect until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, unless updated.
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Flood Watch issued on Tuesday March 10th for Huron‑Kinloss also remains in place due to ongoing snowmelt, high flows, and additional rainfall in the forecast. This Watch is valid until Monday, March 16th, 2026, unless conditions change.
The Township will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the day and will provide further updates as new information becomes available. Updated information will be posted as a News Item on the Township website and shared on the Township of Huron‑Kinloss Facebook page.
Residents can also follow the conservation authorities for direct watershed updates:
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA)
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA)
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Contact Us
Township of Huron-Kinloss
21 Queen Street
P.O. Box 130
Ripley ON, N0G 2R0
Phone: 519-395-3735
Fax : 519-395-4107
info@huronkinloss.com
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