Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #2)

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Outlook for its entire watershed, to a Water Safety.

A series of low-pressure systems have moved across southern Ontario bringing above freezing temperatures and approximately 15 mm of precipitation to the watershed.

The existing snow pack has absorbed most of the precipitation, and began to melt, generating runoff and increased water levels in local watercourses. Localized flooding and ponding of water in low-lying and poorly drained areas are also occurring.

River ice has begun to degrade but remains largely in place across much of the watershed. With the rising flows and mild temperatures, ice cover will continue to weaken. While no ice-related impacts are currently observed, ice movement and localized jamming remain possible, particularly in areas with a history of ice jams. The Big Otter Creek in Vienna, Port Burwell and the mouth of Sandusk Creek are high-risk areas should ice jams occur.

Stream flows are expected to increase over the next few days, and 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 debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Monday, February 23, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.

Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.232, should further information be required.

Note:

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents of high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors that could pose dangers to recreationalists, children, and pets. Flooding is not expected.