Flood Warnings
Current Status
Current Flood Status
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Lake Erie Shoreline Watershed Conditions Statement
December 4th, 2024 Time: 2 p.m.
For Wednesday December 4th, 2024, this notice is intended to inform the public and local municipalities of the condition of the Lake Erie Shoreline within the NPCA’s jurisdiction as it relates to the Niagara Peninsula and the eastern portion of Haldimand County.
Sustained south-westerly wind speeds on Lake Erie are forecasted to reach 60 km/hr, with potential gusts up to 70 km/hr until 4 p.m. today (Wednesday). This evening, they are forecast to drop to 45 km/h SW. Overnight they will shift to west-southwest, building to 45 - 55 km/h and reaching as high as 70 km/h by 7 a.m. Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon sustained west-southwest winds lowering slightly to 60km/h. These winds will serve to increase water levels within Lake Erie’s eastern basin.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has forecasted Lake Erie water levels at Port Colborne to increase by 1.1m (~3.6 feet) above current levels to an elevation of approximately 175.41 MASL. Water levels are forecasted to increase by 1.21m (~4 feet) from Crystal Beach to the Niagara River to an elevation of approximately 175.5 MASL. Significant wave heights, on top of the surge, of 1.6m (5.25 feet) are also forecast to occur during this time. Water levels are expected to peak early Thursday morning. Increased erosion and minor flooding due to storm surge and strong waves are likely.
Residents living along Lake Erie should pay close attention to water levels and waves in their area. Members of the public are also urged to stay clear of the Lake Erie Shoreline due to elevated water levels and increased waves as they can be hazardous.
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:
This notice is in effect until 12:00pm, Thursday, December 5th, 2024, and will be updated as required.
For further information contact:
Ryan Kitchen
Flood Risk Management Officer
rkitchen@npca.ca
Work: 905-788-3135 x 269
After hours: 905-658-1838
For media inquiries, contact:
Erika Navarro
Communications Specialist
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.