Lake Erie Flood Watch (Event Message #1)
March 12, 2020Effective immediately, Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline.
Environmental Canada is forecasting sustained strong southwesterly winds with gusts up to 75 km/h Friday morning and continuing into the afternoon. Winds are expected to ease early evening on Friday.
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 Port Colborne by 0.68 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.54 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.73 meters in the Long Point area and up to 1.65 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Forecast models are currently forecasting water levels to remain elevated from Friday morning until Friday 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.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zone 1.
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, Saturday, March 14th.
Contact Craig Jacques, Water Resource Specialist at 519-842-4242 ext. 265, or after hours at 519-429-2738 should further information be required.