Category: News Releases
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.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message # 1)
April 12, 2019A strong Texas low pressure system is expected to move through the area on Sunday, and overnight into Monday, potentially bringing with it in the range of 30-50 mm of rain. Watercourses can be expected to rise should this forecasted rain occur.
Due to the expected water level rise, the LPRCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction. Current conditions and the forecasted rainfall may result in nuisance flooding in typically affected low-lying floodplain areas and unsafe conditions around watercourses.
People are cautioned to stay away from all watercourses as the combination of slippery banks, and cold, fastflowing water can be dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
If it is safe to do so, landowners are also advised to ensure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, ahead of this rain event.
With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, April 19, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Craig Jacques, Water Resources Specialist 519-842-4242 ext. 265 should further information be required.
Long Point Region Amended Source Protection Plan Approved
March 27, 2019Updates to the plan that protects the sources of municipal drinking water in the Long Point Region have been approved by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) announced today.
“The approval of the Source Protection Plan amendments is another important step in the continuing protection of municipal drinking water sources across the Long Point Region,” said LPRCA Chair, Mike Columbus.
The amended Long Point Region Source Protection Plan and Assessment Report were approved by Minister Rod Phillips on March 11, 2019 and took effect March 25, 2019. Some highlights of the amended assessment report include new or revised groundwater protection areas within Norfolk County; and the addition of a protection zone for nitrates within the Municipality of Bayham. Significant amendments to the source protection plan include the establishment of water quantity policies for the Simcoe water supply and policies to reduce nitrate concentrations within the Richmond drinking water system. An Environmental Registry of Ontario posting has a summary of the amendments: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/013-4630.
The source protection plan is a local science-based plan designed to protect the water quality and quantity of the local lakes, rivers, and aquifers that supply municipal drinking water systems. Within the plan are a variety of policies, programs, and actions to eliminate or manage potential risks to municipal drinking water sources.
Amendments to the plan were based on technical studies, collaborative policy development, and public consultation. The process was guided by the Lake Erie Region Source Protection Committee, which includes municipal, agricultural, business, industry, public interest, and First Nations representatives. “The many stakeholders involved throughout the plan update process should be proud of their work and this achievement.” said Wendy Wright-Cascaden, Chair of the Lake Erie Source Protection Committee.
The source water protection plan has been prepared under the Clean Water Act, 2006; with funding provided by the Province. Conservation authorities provided technical and administrative support for plan development; in conjunction with municipalities.
The amended plan and assessment report are available at www.sourcewater.ca.
For further information contact LPRCA General Manager Judy Maxwell at 519-842-4242 ext 225.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Update – Event Message # 2)
March 14, 2019Current forecasts are expecting a low-pressure system to move into the region from the American mid-west bringing rain and the potential for isolated thunderstorms. Rain is forecast to begin today and may be heavy at times with isolated pockets of thunderstorms producing up to 25 mm. Watercourses are expected to rise as a result of the combination of rain, saturated ground conditions and warm temperatures.
Due to the expected rise in water levels, the LPRCA is updating the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction. Current conditions and the forecast rainfall are expected to result in minor flooding in low-lying areas and unsafe conditions around watercourses.
People are cautioned to stay away from ditches, watercourses, ponds and other water bodies as the combination of slippery banks, unstable ice and cold, fast-flowing water can be dangerous. Ice conditions on watercourses, ponds and reservoirs are expected to deteriorate and should be considered unsafe. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all of these areas.
If it is safe to do so, landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, March 22, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands and Waters Supervisor 519-842-4242 ext. 232 should further information be required.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message # 1)
March 8, 2019Starting Saturday afternoon, a Colorado low is forecast to enter South-Western Ontario bringing warmer temperatures and precipitation. Up to 20 mm of precipitation by Sunday morning is expected with daytime high temperatures above zero continuing into next week.
With the forecast rain and above freezing temperatures, the majority of snow is expected to melt resulting in rising stream levels and possibly some nuisance flooding in low-lying areas. Due to the expected rise in water levels, the LPRCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction.
People are cautioned to stay away from ditches, watercourses, ponds and other water bodies as the combination of slippery banks, unstable ice and cold, fast-flowing water can be dangerous. Ice conditions on watercourses, ponds and reservoirs are expected to deteriorate and should be considered unsafe. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all of these areas.
If it is safe to do so, landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, March 15, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Ben Hodi, Water Resources Analyst 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Flood Outlook for Lake Erie Shoreline
March 7, 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 (March 1st, 2019) reports that:
- Lake Erie’s monthly water level was 62 cm above average and 17 cm above last February, and the highest since 1998.
- Lake Erie rose 5 cm last month more than the typical rise of 2 cm.
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 the spring.
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.
Flood Watch (Event Message #3)
February 24, 2019The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch issued yesterday for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Forecasts are continuing to expect very strong southwest winds with gusts of 100 to 110 km/hr to develop in the wake of an artic cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario today. Gusts near 120 km/h are possible especially in areas near the Lake Erie shoreline. Winds are expected to continue through Sunday night and weaken into Monday.
Updated surge models from both the Ministry of Natural Resources and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are predicting Lake Erie to rise.
Based on current models the forecast below applies:
- Current Lake Erie level in Long Point: 174.6 m (excluding waves)
- Lake Erie estimated peak level in Long Point: 175.7 m (excluding waves)
- Estimated time of peak: Sunday afternoon and early evening
Lake levels are expected to begin to rise late Sunday morning and peak late early evening. Flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the lakeshore and implement measures as necessary.
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, February 25, 2019.
Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Flood Watch (Event Message #2)
February 23, 2019The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch issued yesterday for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Environment Canada is continuing to expect strong southwest winds with gusts of 90 to 100 km/hr to develop in the wake of a cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario Sunday morning and afternoon. Gusts near 110 km/h are possible especially in areas near the Lake Erie shoreline. Winds are expected to continue through Sunday night and weaken into Monday.
Current surge models are predicting Lake Erie to rise to their highest level seen this year. Based on current models the forecast below applies:
- Current Lake Erie level in Long Point: 174.6 m (excluding waves)
- Lake Erie estimated peak level in Long Point: 175.6 m (excluding waves)
- Estimated time of peak: Sunday afternoon
Lake levels are expected to begin to rise late Sunday morning and peak late afternoon. Flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Community flood coordinators are advised to monitor the lakeshore and implement measures as necessary.
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, February 25, 2019.
Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.
Flood Watch (Event Message #1)
February 22, 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 strong southwest winds with gusts of 90 to 100 km/hr to develop in the wake of a cold front sweeping through Southern Ontario Sunday morning and afternoon. Gusts near 120 km/h are possible especially in areas near the Lake Erie shoreline. Winds are expected to continue through Sunday night and weaken into Monday.
Currently, the surge forecast is uncertain. There is disagreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric (NOAA) surge models for predicting levels on Lake Erie. MNRF is not predicting a rise in lake levels whereas NOAA is predicting a 2.3 meter rise above chart datum (173.5 m) rise at Port Colborne. The uncertainty in prediction of levels is due to the uncertainty and variability of existing ice cover on Lake Erie.
Lake levels are expected to begin to rise Sunday morning and peak in the afternoon. 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, February 25, 2019.
Contact Ben Hodi at 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.