Flood Watch – Lake Erie Storm Surge (Event Message #1)

Effective immediately, Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Watch – Lake Erie Storm Surge for the entire shoreline within its jurisdiction.

Environment Canada has issued a strong wind warning and is forecasting southwesterly winds starting early Sunday morning that will continue into the evening. Winds are expected to reach of 50 km/h with gusts up to 80 km/h. With these forecasted winds, minor flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in the western Long Point area by 0.3 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.0 meters (IGLD 1985), and in the Port Colborne area by 0.62 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.3 meters (IGLD 1985). Levels are expected to remain elevated between noon on Sunday and 10:00 pm. Wave heights are forecast to reach up to 2.0 meters in Long Point and 1.4 m along Haldimand County in LPRCA’s watershed.

Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore and warn those residents and businesses in low lying areas along the lakeshore.

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.

This Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until 9:00 A.M. on Monday, November 2^nd, 2020. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasts and will update this message as necessary.