Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning (Event Message #1)

Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. Strong sustained winds are forecast on Wednesday January 5, 2022. The winds from the south/southwesterly direction will be gusting to 90km/hr.

Forecast models are currently predicting Lake Erie will rise in Long Point by 0.5 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.20 meters (IGLD 1985) and in the Port Colborne area 0.9 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.70 meters (IGLD 1985).  Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights greater than 2.5 meters (8 feet) in the Long Point area and over 3 meters (10 feet) towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Water levels and waves are forecast to peak Wednesday evening at 4-7pm.

Shoreline residents in the Long Point Bay (Long Point, Port Rowan, Turkey Point) are warned that flooding will occur after peak winds. The water level in the Bay will reduce with the strong southwest wind, then water “sloshes” or “seiches” back when the wind strength or direction shifts. Minor changes to the wind greatly affect the seiche, which alters the severity and timing of flooding. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.

Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zones 1. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Haldimand County on their website.

Norfolk County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zone 0. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Norfolk County on their flood hub: https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/living/flooding/.

Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore.

The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels and follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.

This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until noon on Friday, January 7, 2022.

Contact Ben Watson at bwatson@lprca.on.ca should further information be required.