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.

Weather forecasts are calling for sustained 45-55 km/h west winds gusting up to 80 km/h starting Thursday morning and continuing into the early hours of Friday morning.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in Long Point by 0.3 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.2 meters (IGLD 1985), and in the Port Colborne area 0.65 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.55 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.7 meters in the Long Point area and up to 1.5 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed.

The lake surge models are currently showing water levels to remain elevated from Thursday morning until Thursday late evening.

With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact very low-lying areas of the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries.

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 9:00 AM, Friday, February 28th.

Contact Matt Churly at 519-842-4242 ext. 226 should further information be required.