Flood Warnings
Current Status
Current Flood Status
There are currently no flood outlook statements in effect.
Below is the last issued statement for reference.
-------FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Flood Warning
Date: April 4th, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM
This notice is intended to advise the public and local municipalities of flooding within the NPCA’s jurisdiction as it relates to the Niagara Peninsula, the southeastern portion of the City of Hamilton and the eastern portion of Haldimand County.
A low-pressure system is forecast to move across the lower Great Lakes, beginning late Friday April 4th and continuing on Saturday April 5th, bringing significant rain to our area. Expected rainfall amounts at this time are between 25 to 35 mm. Recent rain events over the last 72 hours have already seen 30 – 60 mm of precipitation fall in the area resulting in a large increase of water levels in our local rivers, creeks, and streams.
At the present time, water levels in the local watercourses are high and are approaching critical elevations across the western portions of the watershed. The County of Haldimand and the communities within West Lincoln and Wainfleet, particularly Smithville and Wellandport, are already experiencing high water levels which are expected to increase with the forecasted rain. As such, residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant over the next 36 hours, continue to check sump pumps and undertake measures to floodproof low openings in their homes.
As water moves through the system, the areas around the City of Welland can expect elevated levels in the Welland River by late Saturday. Residents living near the Welland River within the Town of Pelham and the City of Welland are advised to continue to check sump pumps and undertake measures to floodproof low openings in their homes.
Residents are urged to stay away from creeks, rivers and all waterbodies at this time due to slippery slopes and elevated water levels as they can be hazardous. We also encourage residents to ensure drainage on their property is not hindered by blocked culverts, catch basins or ditches. Municipal and Regional staff are also reminded to check local storm sewer infrastructure to ensure its capabilities for this event.
The NPCA will continue to monitor these conditions and will issue further messages as required. Information on the Flood Status in the watershed can be found on the NPCA’s website at:
https://npca.ca/flood-status
https://npca.ca/stream-flow-monitoring
This notice is in effect until 9:00 AM, Monday, April 7th, 2025, and will be updated as required.
For further information contact:
Chris Polap
Flood Risk Management Technician
cpolap@npca.ca
Work: 905-788-3135 x 260
For media inquiries, contact:
Erika Navarro
Communications Supervisor
enavarro@npca.ca
905-650-4027
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What if a Flood Message is Issued for Your Area?
Take heed of the message issued.
Be prepared to follow the advice and instructions of emergency response officials.
Monitoring weather and flood conditions is a shared responsibility of Conservation Authorities, OMNR, and Environment Canada. The OMNR Surface Water Monitoring Centre in Peterborough monitors weather forecasts and water levels across the province, providing the information to Conservation Authorities. Other information is also available from Environment Canada.
Conservation Authorities and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources are responsible for forecasting where and when flooding is likely to occur and issuing appropriate messages. Advance warning of an impending flood allows municipalities and other government agencies to put emergency response plans into operation, and if necessary, evacuate communities.
When flooding is possible or about to occur, Conservation Authorities (or the Ministry of Natural Resources in areas where there is no Conservation Authority) issue flood messages to municipal emergency management officials and the media. The municipal officials then take action to warn local residents. Flood messages are posted on Conservation Authorities’ websites. In some watersheds, members of the public can receive flood messages directly through e-mail and/or Twitter.
Messages Key
No flood conditions exist
Be informed and aware.
Water Safety Statements: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Flood Outlook Statements: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion
Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.