FORT FRANCES – “It appears that Rainy Lake floodwaters have met the 1950 record,” council. Douglas Judson announced on Twitter.
As predicted, the water hits 339.2 metres. The highest water level recorded in Fort Frances was in 1950, when the water line on the cliffs of the Rainy Lake measured 339.2 metres.
As residents and volunteers pile sandbags along the Rainy Lake, torrential downpours this weekend continues to push water past the barricades washing out Front Street in Fort Frances.
In a Facebook post, Judson shared startling images of the Rainy Rivers taking over Front Street with the captions reading, “with the torrential rain Fort Frances received this evening, it appears that portions of Front Street are now one with the upper Rainy River. This photo was shared moments ago in a local social media group.”
The photo shows Front Street submerged. The Rainy River has taken it.
Another photo shared by Douglas Judson on his Twitter shows the CN underpass on Portage Avenue.
The caption reads “Flood update: torrential downpour has filled the CN underpass on Portage Avenue to the brim, so it’s only a matter of time until someone drives in. Legend has it that we call this street “Portage” because every time this happens you need to portage to the north end of town.
Rain has been miraculous.
Front Street is now closed to all pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Sorting Gap Marina Docks and Boat Launch and Docks, Crowe Avenue Dock, Lookout Tower, The Hallet, Point Park, and Seven Oakes are closed due to the high risk of injury, and property damage.
Volunteers are welcome to help Fort Frances with Sandbagging but must register at the with Town Staff at the Animal Shelter building. Sandbagging efforts have been extended from Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
