Lake Erie Flood Watch (Event Message #1)

Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline.

Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for tomorrow, forecasting strong southwesterly winds Saturday afternoon and increasing to 74 km/h Saturday evening.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in Long Point by 0.66 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.34 meters (IGLD 1985), and in the Port Colborne area 1.14 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.80 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 2.3 meters in the Long Point area and up to 1.8 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed.

With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low-lying areas of the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.

Community flood coordinators are advised to prepare and monitor forecasts and stand by for further information.

People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.

This Flood Watch is in effect until noon, Sunday, January 19th, 2020 or until further updated.

Contact Paul Gagnon at 519-429-4899 should further information be required.