Flood Watch (Event Message #1)

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for its entire watershed area.

A series of low-pressure systems are forecast to move through the Long Point Region watershed on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing rain and temperatures well above freezing. These systems are expected to bring 20 to 30 mm of rainfall across the watershed before moving east on Thursday. The snowpack has a snow-water equivalent ranging from 27 mm in the south to 44 mm in the north end of the watershed. Above-average temperatures last week increased the density of the snowpack, and the most recent snow survey suggests the snowpack is approaching its water-holding capacity.

Melting of the existing snowpack, combined with frozen ground conditions and the forecasted rains, is expected to increase runoff and may overwhelm watercourses, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas. While the river ice has weakened, Lake Erie remains ice-covered, and there is a possibility of ice jams where the rivers and streams enter Lake Erie.

People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from snow and debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.

This Flood Watch will remain in effect until 4:30 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.

Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242, Ext. 265 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.