Category: News Releases
Riverine Flood Watch (Flood Message #1)
February 21, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Riverine Flood Watch for all areas within its watershed.
A Texas Low Pressure system is forecast to travel across Southern Ontario Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing above-freezing temperatures and rainfall. Depending on the path and strength of the weather system, areas of the Long Point Region watershed may see 15 – 20 mm of rain.
Melting of the existing snow pack in combination with the forecasted rains is expected to increase runoff. An estimated 15 mm of snow water equivalent remains on the ground. River systems have yet to recover fully from last week’s rainfall event and ice cover that was weakened or moved last week may now break up or jam.
Local watercourses may be overwhelmed, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Members of the public are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is 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 these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
Water levels are expected to remain high for several days. Therefore, this Flood Watch is in effect through Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact David Proracki, 519-842-4242 ext. 264, should further information be required.
Riverine Flood Warning (Flood Message #3)
February 17, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Riverine Flood Warning for all areas within its watershed.
The Long Point Region watershed received 15- 20 mm of rain over the course of last night and this morning. While this amount of rain is less than what was forecast, flooding in low lying areas is still expected due to rain and snowmelt.
Action: Areas along the Big Otter Creek, specifically the town of Vienna, may experience flooding due to high flows and/or ice-jamming. Given Vienna’s vulnerability to flooding and ice jams, Flood Coordinators should warn property owners in the most flood-prone areas of Vienna of the potential for flooding.
Members of the public are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is 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 these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
Water levels are expected to remain high for several days. Therefore, this Flood Watch is in effect through Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact David Proracki, 519-842-4242 ext. 264, should further information be required.
Riverine Flood Watch (Flood Message #2)
February 16, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Riverine Flood Watch for all areas within its watershed.
The Long Point Region watershed is expected to experience warm temperatures and rainfall from this evening to tomorrow afternoon. There is an average of 34.7 mm of Snow Water Equivalent, and an additional 25-50 mm of rain forecast. There is, however, a large degree of uncertainty about the amount of precipitation and the state it will take (rain or snow).
The rain and warm temperatures are expected to result in a partial melt of the snowpack. Localized flooding can be expected because of ponding around frozen ditches, culverts and catch basins. Depending on the amount of rain we receive, flows into local waterways may result in minor flooding in low-lying areas. Additionally, there is the possibility of local movement of river ice and ice-jamming. Flood Coordinators are being asked to monitor areas typically prone to ice jams.
Members of the public are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.
Water levels are expected to remain high for several days. Therefore, this Flood Watch is in effect through Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact David Proracki, 519-842-4242 ext. 264, should further information be required
Flood Outlook Statement
February 15, 2022Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Outlook Statement for all areas within its watershed.
The watershed is expected to receive warm temperatures and rainfall on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 and Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. There is an average of 34.7 mm of Snow Water Equivalent, and an additional 35-40 mm of rain is in the forecast. This combined 70-75 mm is expected to increase flow in all waterways within the watershed. This creates the potential for minor flooding in flood prone areas. Additionally, any watercourses with ice cover may have increased flooding through ice-jamming behind flow constrictions or bottlenecks.
Members of the public are reminded to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts and catchbasins are free from debris and functioning properly.
Water levels are expected to remain high for several days. Therefore, this Flood Outlook Statement is in effect through Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Ben Watson at 519-842-4242 ext. 265 should further information be required.
Flood Warning Termination (Event Message #2)
January 7, 2022The Flood Warning issued on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 for the Lake Erie shoreline within the Long Point Region Conservation Authorities Jurisdiction is now terminated.
During Wednesday’s event, high winds caused minor to moderate storm surge. Lake Erie flood levels reached 175.34 metres (IGLD85) in the Port Dover area and 175.75 metres (IGLD85) in Port Colborne. The Port Rowan Gage recorded a maximum of 175.22 metres (IGLD85). These elevations were below flood stage 0 for Port Rowan, at stage 0 for Port Dover, and briefly peaked to stage 2 for Port Colborne.
Lake Erie static water levels are expected to remain near record highs over the coming months. High static water levels increase the risk of flooding caused by moderate to severe wind-driven surges. Strong lakeshore surge events typically occur from fall through spring.
Due to the forecast for high lake levels, the previously issued Shoreline Conditions Statement – Lake Erie Flood Outlook remains in effect until further notice.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning (Event Message #1)
January 5, 2022Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. Strong sustained winds are forecast on Wednesday January 5, 2022. The winds from the south/southwesterly direction will be gusting to 90km/hr.
Forecast models are currently predicting Lake Erie will rise in Long Point by 0.5 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.20 meters (IGLD 1985) and in the Port Colborne area 0.9 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.70 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights greater than 2.5 meters (8 feet) in the Long Point area and over 3 meters (10 feet) towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Water levels and waves are forecast to peak Wednesday evening at 4-7pm.
Shoreline residents in the Long Point Bay (Long Point, Port Rowan, Turkey Point) are warned that flooding will occur after peak winds. The water level in the Bay will reduce with the strong southwest wind, then water “sloshes” or “seiches” back when the wind strength or direction shifts. Minor changes to the wind greatly affect the seiche, which alters the severity and timing of flooding. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zones 1. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Haldimand County on their website.
Norfolk County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zone 0. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Norfolk County on their flood hub: https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/living/flooding/.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore.
The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels and follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until noon on Friday, January 7, 2022.
Contact Ben Watson at bwatson@lprca.on.ca should further information be required.
Shoreline Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook Lake Erie (Event Message #1)
December 16, 2021Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Shoreline Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. This includes Bayham, Norfolk County and Western Haldimand County.
A significant weather system is forecast to bring high winds to the lower Great Lakes over the next several days. Winds from the south/southwest may range from 45 to 50km/h, with higher gusts of 60 to 70km/h throughout today (Thursday) and into tomorrow. 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 forecast to peak at 1.8 m (175.30m IGLD) around 11:00 p.m. tonight.
Bayham and Norfolk County have a lower risk of minor flooding, as water levels at Long Point are expected to peak at 1.33m (174.83 IGLD) around 11:00 p.m. tonight.
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.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor road conditions along the lakeshore.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and will update this message as necessary.
This Shoreline Conditions Statement is in effect until 12:00 p.m. Friday, December 17, 2021.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 should further information be required.
Flood Warning Termination (Event Message #3)
December 13, 2021The Flood Warning issued on Friday, December 10, 2021 for the Lake Erie shoreline is now terminated.
During Saturday’s event high winds caused significant Storm surge. Lake Erie flood levels reached the maximum gage elevation Port Dover area of 175.70 metres (IGLD85) and 176.4 metres (IGLD85) in Port Colborne, which was the 4th highest on record. The newly installed Port Rowan Gage recorded a maximum of 175.3 meters (IGLD85).
Resident’s are reminded to avoid driving in flood waters, as the depth of water and flow velocity are unknown and the vehicle may become stranded or washed away. Roads otherwise in good condition, may have washed out when overtopped by the floodwaters.
Lake Erie static water levels are expected to remain near record highs over the coming months. High static water levels increase the risk of flooding caused by moderate to severe wind-driven surges. Strong lakeshore surge events typically occur from fall through spring.
Due to the forecast for high lake levels, the previously issued Shoreline Conditions Statement – Lake Erie Flood Outlook remains in effect until further notice.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact LPRCA at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning (Event Message #2)
December 11, 2021Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning Update for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. Environment Canada has increased the wind warning, forecasting strong southwesterly winds reaching 100 km/h gusting to 120km/h through the evening.
Forecast models are currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in Long Point rise to 175.39 meters (IGLD 1985) and in the Port Colborne area the rise to an elevation of 176.52 meters (IGLD 1985).
The Updated wave heights greater than 2.9 meters in the Long Point area and up to 1.9 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Water levels are still expected to peak Saturday, this evening.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zones 1-5. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Haldimand County on their website.
Norfolk County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zones 1 near Long Point with higher levels Zone 3 expected in the east of the Norfolk County. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Norfolk County on their flood hub: https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/living/flooding/.
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore.
The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels and follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until noon, Monday, December 13th, 2021.
Contact Ben Watson at bwatson@lprca.on.ca should further information be required.
Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Warning (Event Message #1)
December 10, 2021Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. Environment Canada has issued a wind warning, forecasting strong southwesterly winds reaching 90 km/h gusting to 110km/h.
Forecast models are currently forecasting Lake Erie to rise in Long Point by 0.75 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.30 meters (IGLD 1985) and in the Port Colborne area 1.67 meters above the current level to an elevation of 176.27 meters (IGLD 1985). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights greater than 1.5 meters (± 5 feet) in the Long Point area and up to 2.3 meters (± 7.5 feet) towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Water levels are forecasted to peak Saturday evening.
With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.
Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zones 1-4. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Haldimand County on their website.
Norfolk County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding could reach Lake Erie Flood Zone 0. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with flood warning zones mapping in Norfolk County on their flood hub https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/living/flooding/
Community flood coordinators are asked to monitor conditions along the lakeshore.
The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels and follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
LPRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the watershed and will update this message as necessary.
This Flood Warning for the Lake Erie shoreline is in effect until noon on Monday, December 13th, 2021.
Contact Ben Watson at bwatson@lprca.on.ca should further information be required.