Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning [Flood Message #1 | December 21, 2022]

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction.

A very intense, slow moving Colorado low is forecast to bring high winds to the Great Lakes Region on Friday, December 23rd. As a result, Lake Erie will see sustained winds from the southwest moving at 40 to 50 km/hour and gusts of 90 to 110 km/hour throughout the day Friday before slowly diminishing over the weekend.

Environment Canada is currently forecasting a storm surge, with water levels at Port Colborne expected to reach 2.75 meters above chart datum throughout the day Friday. Waves ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 meters are also predicted for the Lake Erie shoreline during this event.

With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. 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 Stage 3. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Haldimand County website; Lake Erie Flood Zones in Haldimand County (arcgis.com).

Norfolk County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Stage 0. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Norfolk County website; https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/living/flooding/norfolk-county-flood-mapping/.

Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore and should be prepared to warn affected residents and businesses within the affected flood stages areas, as noted above.

The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels, and to 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 forecast models and conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.

This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until 8 p.m., Saturday, December 24th, 2022 or until updated.

Contact David Proracki, Water Resources Analyst, at 519-842-4242 extension 264 should further information be required.