Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Watch – Flood Message #1

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Shoreline Flood Watch for all areas within its watershed.

An intense low-pressure system is forecasted to cross over the lower Great Lakes Region between Friday and Saturday.  As a result, Lake Erie will see sustained winds from the southwest ranging from 50 to 60 km/hour and gusts of 70 km/hour Saturday.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Surface Water Monitoring Centre is currently forecasting a storm surge, with water levels at Port Colborne expected to reach 2.22 meters above chart datum Saturday evening.  Waves ranging from 1.80 to 2.95 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 2. 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 1.  The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Norfolk County website; http://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 Watch is in effect until 8 pm, Sunday, January 14, 2024 or until updated.

Contact Paul Gagnon, 519-842-4242 ext. 232, should further information be required.

NOTE:
Flood Watch: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities.  Municipal flood coordinators, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas
should prepare.