Category: Flood Status
Flood Watch Termination (Event Message #2)
March 9, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is terminating the Flood Watch for the Big Otter Watershed and maintaining a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire watershed.
Stream flows are expected to remain high for 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 Friday, March 13, 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 that unsafe lake, river and channel conditions may develop or exist.
Flood Watch & Water Safety (Event Message #1)
March 6, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for the Big Otter Watershed and a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the rest of the watershed.
The first of a series of low-pressure systems has moved across southern Ontario bringing above freezing temperatures and approximately 17 mm of precipitation to the watershed.
The last snow survey showed approximately 22.4 mm of snow water equivalent which has begun to melt. The melting snow pack and recent precipitation is generating runoff and increasing water levels in local watercourses. Localized flooding and ponding of water in low-lying and poorly drained areas are also occurring.
Above seasonal temperatures are expected to continue along with additional precipitation. The majority of the snow pack is expected to melt over the weekend, further elevating watercourses.
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 Flood Watch & Water Safety Statement will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Monday, March 9, 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:
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.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #2)
February 20, 2026The 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.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (Event Message #1)
February 17, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the entire watershed.
A low-pressure system is forecast to move across southern Ontario beginning tonight and continuing through Wednesday, bringing approximately 15–25 mm of precipitation to the watershed. Air temperatures are expected to remain near or slightly above freezing during this period.
Snowpack remains present across the watershed and has begun to consolidate with recent milder temperatures. The combination of rainfall and snowmelt is expected to generate runoff and increase water levels and flows in local watercourses. Localized flooding and ponding of water in low-lying and poorly drained areas is possible.
River ice remains in place across much of the watershed. With rising flows and milder temperatures, ice cover may weaken and begin to break up. 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.
At this time, widespread flooding is not anticipated; however, water levels and flows are expected to increase through Wednesday into Thursday. Municipal staff and landowners in historically flood-prone or ice-jam-prone areas are encouraged to monitor conditions closely.
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 – Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 12:00 PM Friday, February 20, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager, Engineering & Infrastructure, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note:
Flood Outlook Statement — Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, a rise in Lake Erie, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
January 9, 2026The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire watershed.
Over the past few days the watershed has received close to 20 mm of rain. In the past 24 hours we received significantly less precipitation than the forecasted 10 to 15 mm. Much of the existing snow pack has melted and the forecasted above seasonal temperatures in combination with the minimal forecasted precipitation is not expected to cause flooding, but watercourses will rise, and water will pool in low lying areas.
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, January 12, 2026. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed 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.
Lake Erie Shoreline – Flood Watch(Event Message #2)
December 29, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is upgrading the Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook to a Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This includes the Municipality of Bayham, Norfolk County, and western Haldimand County.
The Ministry of Natural Resources Surface Water Monitoring Centre is currently forecasting a storm surge, with water levels at Port Colborne expected to reach 2.18 m (175.68 m IGLD) between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm this morning. Water levels at Long Point are expected to peak at 1.49 m (174.99 IGLD). Waves ranging from 1.87 to 3 m are also predicted for the Lake Erie shoreline during this event.
Haldimand 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 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; 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.
Residents are urged to use caution and stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasts and watershed conditions, and will provide updates to this message as necessary.
This Flood Watch is in effect until noon, December 30, 2025.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 232 should further information be required.
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.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Riverine & Shoreline Flood Outlook(Event Message #1)
December 28, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the entire watershed, including the Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction.
A low pressure system is expected to pass through the watershed, bringing a significant amount of precipitation and high winds on Sunday and Monday. Above freezing temperatures and 20 to 40 mm of rain is expected on Sunday, followed by strong southwest winds on Monday morning. The forecasted precipitation combined with the existing snow and ice will elevate water levels in local watercourses and low lying areas.
Behind the departing low-pressure system on Monday, strong sustained southwest winds of 50–60 km/h gusting at 80-100km/h are expected, and will elevate Lake Erie water levels, especially in Haldimand County.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid watercourses, and areas along the Lake Erie shoreline experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor flood prone areas throughout the watershed, and road conditions along the lakeshore closely.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasts and watershed conditions, and will provide updates to this message as necessary.
This Watershed Conditions Statement is in effect until noon, December 30, 2025.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 232 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, a rise in Lake Erie, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
December 18, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This includes the Municipality of Bayham, Norfolk County, and western Haldimand County.
A significant weather system is forecasted to bring high winds to Lake Erie over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds of 60 km/h from the west are forecasted, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h starting over night and into Friday evening. These high winds may result in increased water levels due to storm surge and wave action.
Western Haldimand County may experience minor shoreline flooding, wave uprush, and increased erosion along the shoreline. Water levels at Port Colborne are forecasted to peak at 1.98 m (175.48 m IGLD) mid-day Friday.
Bayham and Norfolk County have a lower risk of minor flooding, as water levels at Long Point are expected to peak at 1.17 m (174.67 IGLD).
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid areas along the Lake Erie shoreline experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore closely.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will provide updates to this message as necessary.
This Shoreline Conditions Statement is in effect until 8:00 am Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 265 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: a message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents that unsafe lake, river and channel conditions may develop or exist.
Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #1)
November 30, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This includes the Municipality of Bayham, Norfolk County, and western Haldimand County.
A significant weather system is forecasted to bring high winds to Lake Erie over the next 12 hours. Sustained winds of 60 km/h from the west/southwest are forecasted, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h starting this morning and into Sunday evening. These high winds may result in increased water levels due to storm surge and wave action.
Western Haldimand County may experience minor shoreline flooding, wave uprush, and increased erosion along the shoreline. Water levels at Port Colborne are forecasted to peak at 1.83 m (175.33 m IGLD) between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Sunday afternoon.
Bayham and Norfolk County have a lower risk of minor flooding, as water levels at Long Point are expected to peak at 1.17 m (174.64 IGLD) between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Sunday afternoon.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid areas along the Lake Erie shoreline experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore closely.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will provide updates to this message as necessary.
This Shoreline Conditions Statement is in effect until 8:00 am Monday, December 1, 2025.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 232 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: a message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents that unsafe lake, river and channel conditions may develop or exist.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) – Level 1 Low Water Advisory Issued for the Long Point Region Watershed
August 20, 2025MEDIA RELEASE
August 20, 2025
LPRCA urges water conservation throughout the Long Point Region watershed.
Water users throughout the Long Point Region watershed are being asked to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by “10 percent” because of the unusually dry weather in recent months.
Based on the cumulative lack of rainfall since mid-May and lower than typical stream flows in local watercourses, the Joint Water Response Team (JWRT) is issuing a Level 1 Low Water Advisory for all areas of the Long Point Region watershed.
The local Joint Water Response Team is made up of representatives from watershed municipalities, the local agricultural sector, other major water users, several provincial ministries and Long Point Region Conservation Authority. During a virtual meeting today, the JWRT noted the LPRCA watershed has been very dry this summer, having received only about 50-75% of average rainfall for this time of year over the past 90 days.
In response, LPRCA encourages everyone to follow their municipal water use bylaws and to reduce non-essential uses of water.
Urban and rural residents can help by restricting water use, such as lawn watering and car washing; identifying and fixing leaks; and taking care to conserve water indoors.
Irrigators can reduce consumption and the impact on groundwater aquifers and watercourses by following best practices for irrigation, such as:
- Arranging with their neighbor to stagger irrigation times;
- Pumping at a lower rate over a longer period of time and store water in a pond if possible;
- Ensuring that their equipment is running efficiently and not leaking; and
- Minimizing daytime irrigation, or when windy, to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
By following these and other best practices, residents in the Long Point Region watershed proactively assist in minimizing the impacts of low water on aquatic ecosystems; conserving water supplies in the event conditions worsen; and hopefully limiting or reducing the need for stronger water restriction measures.
LPRCA will continue to monitor stream flow, groundwater levels and precipitation, and will provide updates as watershed conditions change.
Information on the Low Water Response Program is available on the LPRCA website at https://bit.ly/LPRCAlowwaterprogram.
For further information about watershed conditions, contact Saifur Rahman at 519-842-4242 ext. 265.