UPDATE: Water levels are now receding in the Town of Oxford.
After some tense hours, high tide came and passed at 2 p.m., and Oxford Mayor Trish Stewart reports water levels in the River Philip, which cuts through the community, are on the retreat.
"The water's receded four inches," Stewart said."It's a big sigh of relief for us, but we were well prepared."
OXFORD – Water Street in Oxford remains closed as rising rivers have covered streets in the town.
Heavy rain overnight Wednesday, combined with warm temperatures and the annual spring runoff have caused rivers in the Oxford area to overflow their banks.
With high tide this afternoon, water levels are expected to further increase. However, the waters aren't expected to get as high as several years ago when a flood led to several street closures and forced the evacuation of a senior's home on Main Street.
In the county, Jim Boiduk from Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal said the Hunter Road in Wentworth will be closed until further notice after a washout caused damage to the road. There is a detour in place.
The Smith Road outside Amherst experienced minor flooding early Thursday.
Crews have also spent some time shoring up the new culvert that was recently built on Highway 204 in Brookdale.
