Category: News Releases
LPRCA issues Flood Warning for Lake Erie Shoreline
November 27, 2019Effective immediately, Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is upgrading the November 26 Flood Watch into a Flood Warning. Strong southwesterly winds gusting up to 100 kilometers per hour are forecast to develop during the afternoon and continue into the evening. As a result of the wind, water levels along the Lake Erie shoreline are expected to rise quickly mid-day today, peaking in the early evening at levels similar to those in late October.
Water levels in Lake Erie have been very high, which increases the risk of flooding and erosion when the wind picks up. Caution should be taken around Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing raised water levels and strong waves. Extra caution should be taken to ensure that children and pets stay away from such areas.
The Flood Warning is in effect until noon on Thursday, November 28 or until an update is issued. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates.
LPRCA terminates Flood Warning for Lake Erie shoreline, reinstates Flood Outlook
November 1, 2019Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) has terminated the Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline and reinstated the standing Lake Erie Flood Outlook. As the heavy winds from last night have slowed, water levels and wave action in Lake Erie have dropped.
Though the wave action and water levels seen last night have calmed, standing water, erosion, property damage and other impacts from the strong wind, high water and waves overnight continue to affect low-lying shorelines, lakeshore bluffs and some river mouth areas. LPRCA reminds everyone to take heed of municipal messaging and stay away from affected shoreline, bluffs and river mouth areas due to erosion, instability and other damage that has occurred from the recent flooding. Parents are especially reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas due to slippery or unstable banks, cold water and other hazards.
Water levels in Lake Erie are expected to remain very high over the coming months. High static water levels increase the risk of flooding when moderate to severe wind-driven surge events occur. The season when high lakeshore surge events typically occur is just beginning and there is strong potential for further damaging lakeshore flood events over the coming months.
Due to these conditions, LPRCA is reinstating the previously issued Watershed Conditions Statement – Lake Erie Flood Outlook for all Lake Erie shoreline areas within its jurisdiction. Long Point Region Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will update this flood message as necessary.
LPRCA issues Flood Warning for Lake Erie shoreline
October 31, 2019Effective immediately, Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within LPRCA jurisdiction. The forecasted lake surge and wave heights are predicted to be higher than the waves and water levels seen last Sunday, October 27. If the forecasted levels are reached, flooding can be expected in low-lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Water levels are expected to peak between 10:00 p.m. Thursday, October 31 and 2:00 a.m. Friday, November 1. Municipal flood coordinators have been asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore and warn residents and businesses in very low-lying areas along the lakeshore.
Environment Canada is forecasting south-western winds reaching speeds of 70 km/h or higher, as well as gusts reaching 90 km/h or higher. These wind speeds are expected to occur this evening and continue into early Friday morning.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting water levels in Port Colborne to rise 1.4 meters above the current level to an elevation of 176.0 meters (IGLD) and Long Point water levels to rise 0.9 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.5 meters (IGLD). The anticipated strong winds are expected to cause waves reaching up to 1.8 meters in the Port Colborne area and up to 3.4 meters in the Long Point area.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until noon, Friday, November 1, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Flood Watch (Event Message #1)
October 30, 2019Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Environment Canada is expecting up to 37 km/h winds from the northeast this afternoon, diminishing to 19 km/h southeast overnight and south Thursday morning. Winds are expected to increase to 28 km/h southwest by noon Thursday, and further increase to 65 km/h southwest Thursday evening.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Port Colborne to rise 1.1 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.7 meters (IGLD) and Long Point to rise 0.5 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.2 meters (IGLD). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.7 meters in the Port Colborne area and up to 2.5 meters in the Long Point area. The forecasted lake surge and wave heights are similar in magnitude to what occurred during this past Sunday’s event.
Lake levels are expected to begin to rise early Thursday afternoon, and peak between 8:00 PM and midnight late Thursday evening. If this surge level is reached, flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the conditions and stand by for further information. People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Watch is in effect until noon, Friday, November 1, 2019.
Contact Matt Churly 519-427-4423 should further information be required.
Flood Watch (Event Message #1)
October 26, 2019Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Environment Canada is expecting 30 to 50 km/h winds from the southwest and west, with gusts of 80 km/h to develop over night and into Sunday morning in the wake of an intense low pressure system. Winds will diminish Sunday evening and overnight into Monday.
Currently, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is predicting a 1.72 meter rise above chart datum (173.5 m) at Long Point.
Lake levels are expected to begin to rise Sunday morning and peak around 5 pm. If this surge level is reached, flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline
Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the conditions and stand by for further information.
People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Watch is in effect until noon, Monday, October 28, 2019.
Contact Paul Gagnon at 519-429-4899 should further information be required.
LPRCA to host Public Information Centres on Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment project
October 14, 2019Upcoming sessions will share project information and gather feedback
Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA), in partnership with local municipalities, has initiated a project to update and create new flood hazard mapping, with a focus on flood-vulnerable communities in the Long Point Region watershed. The project also involves taking inventory of at-risk infrastructure and estimating damage potential to update municipal risk assessment information.
Flood hazard mapping identifies regions that are particularly prone to flooding and erosion, data that helps with land use planning and permitting decisions, flood-related emergency response and mitigation planning. These maps are created using computer modeling and information gathered in the field. The project will be completed by early 2020.
To answer questions about the project, share project information, receive feedback and gather public knowledge of local conditions, LPRCA will be hosting Public Information Centres (PICs). An initial set of PICs will be held to introduce the project and receive feedback, with a second round of PICs held towards the end of the project where results and draft hazard maps will be shared.
The PICs will focus primarily on their respective study areas and will not have formal presentations, instead taking an open house format with staff from LPRCA, local municipalities and Wood, Environment & Infrastructure Solutions present to answer questions.
The PIC dates and locations are as follows:
Tillsonburg
WHEN: Tuesday, November 26, 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: LPRCA Administration Office, 4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg STUDY AREAS: Tillsonburg, Norwich
Simcoe
WHEN: Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: Simcoe Recreation Centre, Norfolk Room, 182 South Drive, Simcoe STUDY AREAS: Cultus, Gilbertville, Waterford, Simcoe, Port Dover, Jarvis, Garnet
Vienna
WHEN: Thursday, November 28, 2019 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: Vienna Community Centre, 26 Fulton Street, Vienna STUDY AREAS: Port Burwell, Vienna
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – Lake Erie
October 8, 2019LPRCA adjusts Lake Erie Flood Watch to a Flood Outlook
Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Outlook for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline to bring attention to Lake Erie’s high static water levels and the possibility of flooding during the fall and winter months.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum from October 3, 2019 reports that:
Lake Erie’s September monthly mean water levels were 69 cm above average, a new record high for the month.
Lake Erie fell 12 cm last month, more than its average September decline of 9 cm.
At the beginning of October, Lake Erie’s level was 69 cm above average, 20 cm higher than last year and 7 cm below the record high beginning-of-October level set in 1986.
In the Long Point Region watershed, Lake Erie’s current static water level (calm) is 174.78 m. While water supplies in the Great Lakes were higher than average over the last three months, they were lower than levels measured in the previous three-month period. Assuming average water supply conditions, Lake Erie’s water level is expected to continue dropping in October.
With above-average water levels and the possibility of strong southwest winds typical of the fall and winter months, there is an increased risk of both wave-driven erosion along the shoreline and flooding from lake surges and wave uprush.
Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions, especially strong Southwest winds. People are urged to use caution and stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline during times of strong wave action and elevated water levels.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will provide updates as necessary.
This Flood Outlook is in effect until Further Notice.
Contact Matt Churly at 519-842-4242 ext. 226 for more information.
LPRCA Updating Flooding and Erosion Mapping
May 31, 2019Tillsonburg, Ontario – May 31, 2019 – The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is undertaking two flood hazard mapping projects under the federal National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP). These projects will update and create new riverine flood hazard mapping along 91 km of watercourses and flood & erosion hazard mapping along Lake Erie shoreline in Norfolk County. Accurate mapping is required and critical to minimizing the risk to life and property, supporting flood emergency response, planning for long-term mitigation measures and supporting land use and development planning.
New and updated watercourse flood hazard mapping will focus on the most flood vulnerable communities within the watershed. Communities included in the riverine flood hazard mapping project include Vienna, Port Burwell, Tillsonburg, Norwich, Cultus, Gilbertville, Simcoe, Port Dover, Waterford, Jarvis and Garnett. Public engagement is a critical component of the project and will include two sessions of Public Information Centres (PICs). Further details of the project can be found in the Notice of Commencement (PDF 260KB).
Along the Lake Erie shoreline in Norfolk County, flood & erosion hazard mapping will be updated. There will be opportunity to provide comments and input into this project at the first PIC on June 22, 2019 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the St. Williams Community Centre, 80 Queen Street West, St. Williams. Further details of the project and PIC can be found in the Notice of Commencement (PDF 280KB).
To submit a comment or question, receive additional information related to the Projects, or advise of accessibility requirements to participate in the Projects, please contact:
Ben Hodi, M.A.Sc.
Project Manager
Long Point Region Conservation Authority
Tel: 519-842-4242 ext. 264
Email: bhodi@lprca.on.ca
Flood Watch
May 15, 2019The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline. This message is intended to raise attention to the current high static water levels of Lake Erie and the potential for further flooding.
Within the LPRCA watershed the Lake Erie static water level (calm) is approximately 175.0 m and has been continuing to rise as a result of heavy rain, mild temperatures and snow melt within the Great Lakes system. Static water levels in Long Point and Turkey Point are causing flooding on roads and property without any wind setup. Typically, flooding along the shoreline results from strong and sustained south-west winds. However, over the past few weeks, winds from the north, north-east and north-west have caused flooding.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum from May 6th, 2019 reports that:
- Lake Erie has exceeded record highs as of the beginning of May. The level was 3 cm above the record‐high beginning‐of‐May level set in 1985.
- Lake Erie’s level was 60 cm above average, the 6th highest April mean level on record and the highest since 1998.
- Lake Erie rose 24 cm last month, more than the typical April rise of 13 cm.
The extremely high static lake level is greatly increasing the risk of flooding with relatively mild winds from any direction.
Heightened risks from flooding while water levels remain above the threshold, include additional shoreline flooding, beach submersion, crawl space and septic system inundation, and wave-driven erosion along shoreline.
Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions and the increase in potential for flooding and erosion along the shoreline into spring and early summer 2019. People are urged to use caution or stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline during times of strong wave action and elevated water levels.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Watch is in effect until Further Notice.
Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – Lake Erie
May 9, 2019The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Outlook for all areas of the Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This updated message is intended to raise attention to the current and forecast high static water levels of Lake Erie. The potential for storm surge events continues to be increased as a result of the higher lake levels.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum (May 1st, 2019) reports that:
- Water supplies to the Great Lakes were well above average in April as a result of heavy rain, mild temperatures and snowmelt.
- During the month of April, Lake Erie was 60 cm above average and the 6th highest April mean level on record, and the highest since 1998.
- At the beginning of May, Lake Erie’s monthly water level was 3 cm above the record-high set in May 1985.
- Lake Erie could exceed monthly average levels this summer and early fall set in 1986.
As a result of the high lake levels, there continues to be an increased risk for flooding and erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline. The greatest risk for flooding and erosion in the Long Point Region in particular is from storms with sustained south-westerly and westerly wind storms. The risk for flood events along the shoreline is expected to remain high into summer.
Community flood coordinators and the public are advised to monitor weather conditions and the increase in potential for flooding and erosion along the shoreline into 2019. People are urged to use caution or stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline during times of strong wave action and elevated water levels.
Long Point Region Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will update this flood message as necessary.
Contact Ben Hodi, Water Resources Analyst at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.