Timmins prepares for flooding as water rises

Officials in Timmins are keeping a close eye on rising water.

The city said the Mattagami river has risen by almost two meters since Saturday.

It wasexpected to go up to the two meter mark in the next 24 hours.

The city of Timmins said anyone with property close to the river needs to prepare for potential flooding.

Sand bags are available at severallocations:

• East End:Three locations Tisdale Public Works Shops, Bristol Road nearHwy 101, Crawford & Golden Avenue.
• Timmins:North End of Confederation Sports Complex adjacent to playground on Cameron Street.
• West End:Mountjoy Arena near tennis courts.
• Kamiskotia:Near Leclair Avenue and Kamiskotia Highway.

The City of Timmins said several roads are closed because of flooding:

• Jaguar Road, about1km north of Hwy 101 west.
• Norman Street, north of Lafleur Bridge (only local traffic allowed).
• Evans Street, South Porcupine.
• Section of Bristol Road.
• Lakeside Road.

The OPP have also asked boaters to stay off the Mattagami River because the high water could conceal docks and other hazards.

Water levels are also high on Porcupine Lake and Kamiskotia Lake.

And several city roads in Timmins were closed Friday morning due to flooding.

Elsewhere, spring runoff has closedHwy 101, between Wawa and Chapleau.