Windsor Flood of 2016

Event.

On Thursday, September 29, 2016, record rainfall hit Windsor-Essex County and resulted in a declared state of emergency in both Windsor and Tecumseh. What was even more devastating was that this torrential downpour caused severe residential and commercial flooding in east Windsor, Tecumseh, and Lakeshore, the effects of which will be felt for a long time.

The rain gauge at the Windsor Airport measured 78 millimetres of rain in 24 hours; the one in the east end measured 106mm, while the Tecumseh rain gauge went up as much as 190mm according to Environment Canada. The mayors of both municipalities declared a state of emergency with hopes of garnering additional support from higher levels of government.

In the aftermath of the rainfall, many roads and basements in the area were flooded. This resulted in road closures, suspended transit service in Tecumseh, and significant residential and commercial damages. It is estimated that the insured loss reached as much as $108 million, with no telling how much damage was not covered by insurance.

Sources:

Chen, D. (2016, Sep 30). Flooding frustrates, forces closures of Windsor and Tecumseh businesses. The Windsor Star.

Pearson, C. (2016, Oct 01). Province assessing local flood damage; mayors push for disaster recovery assistance for uninsured residents. The Windsor Star.

Pearson, C. (2016, Sep 30). Windsor, Tecumseh declare states of emergency due to flooding: “More than we can handle”. The Windsor Star.

Taekema, D. (2016, Nov 2). Windsor floods cause close to $108 million in insured damage. The Windsor Star.

Taekema, D. (2016, Oct 19). By the numbers: Town of Tecumseh provides update on flood statistics. The Windsor Star.

Taekema, D. (2016, Sep 30). Windsor-Essex sets rainfall record; rainfall warning still in effect. The Windsor Star.