Several residents along Highway 630 remain trapped this morning after a severe storm last night washed out a large section of the highway.
Campers are stuck at the Kiosk campground and no way out for hundreds at the north end of Algonquin Park. Park staff are worried about camper safety and the lack of food. Highway 630 down to Kiosk is washed out.
Secondary Highway 630 is a local highway in the District of Nipissing, which connects the former sawmill community of Kiosk located southwest of Mattawa to Highway 17. The storm hit at approximately 9:45 p.m. yesterday.
Due to a severe storm and an unconfirmed tornado touchdown, the Municipality of Calvin has declared a State of Emergency.
See: Several area municipalities in State of Emergency after major storm
"All roads in the municipality are closed due to washouts, downed power lines and trees," says Julie Daniel, Community Emergency Management Coordinator.
"Hwy 17 is closed from Corbeil to Mattawa. Please remain in your homes while emergency services clean up the roads. We can not stress this enough, you need to stay in your homes. There are limited emergency services available to help until evacuations are complete. Public works have been working since last night and are aware of all of the road issues."{
People are continuing to be evacuated by bus and other transportation from Samuel de Champlain Park.
Cell and landline service is non-existent in some locations throughout the area. The Red Cross is at the arena to receive the evacuees. Evacuees will be able to call out once they are situated.
"Please be patient," says Daniel.
"Calvin, Mattawa and North Bay Fire departments have been on scene at Samuel De Champlain since last night. Bonfield, East Ferris and West Nipissing have recently joined. OPP, EMS, and Park services have also been on scene. The Town of Mattawa’s Emergency Control Group has also been working closely with us. We would like to thank everyone who has been assisting us in this difficult situation."
CAO Donna Maitland told BayToday that an emergency meeting is scheduled for noon and that more information would be available following the meeting.