BE INFORMED AND STAY SAFE THIS SPRING
April showers might bring May flowers, but the approach of spring in southern Ontario also means melting snow and periods of heavy rain that can increase the risk of flooding in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
“Although spring flooding is usually caused by substantial runoff from melting snow and ice and we had an unusual winter, we anticipate intermittent periods of heavy rainfall in the coming months,” says Ryan Kitchen, Flood Risk Officer at Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). “These weather events typically result in flooding of low-lying areas and elevated water levels along our rivers, creeks and Great Lakes’ shorelines. They may also worsen slippery and unstable stream banks, posing potentially hazardous and unsafe conditions near waterbodies.”
NPCA encourages the community to help make this a safe and enjoyable spring:
- Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water.
- Teach children about the dangers of playing near watercourses.
- Avoid recreational activities in or around water, including municipally managed stormwater ponds.
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
- If you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential high spring water.
- Avoid walking close to and across riverbanks.
With its mandate to protect people and property from natural hazards like flooding, NPCA plays a critical role in monitoring the risk of flooding and providing timely information to the public.
“We are the eyes and ears of the watershed. We constantly monitor our climate stations, stream gauges, and the conditions in the watershed. When conditions change or flooding is possible or about to occur, we’ll issue flood advisories,” explains Ryan. “These messages notify municipalities, emergency officials, and residents of potential risks, when and where they will occur, their duration, and the impact they are predicted to have.”
NPCA uses a color-coded system to convey the severity of flood risks and the appropriate response actions for residents:
- Green: No flooding conditions exist.
- Yellow: Weather conditions can pose a risk to personal safety or have the potential to lead to flooding.
- Orange: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or locations across the watershed.
- Red: Severe flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or locations across the watershed.
When a flood advisory is issued, members of the community should stay informed, remain vigilant, and take appropriate actions to stay safe. This may include monitoring local weather forecasts, preparing emergency kits, securing loose items, and following the advice of their municipality.
Flood status information and advisories can be found at https://npca.ca/flood-status and NPCA’s Facebook and Twitter.
Download the free Alertable App to receive real-time updates, flood alerts, and valuable resources directly!
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About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to conserve, enhance and sustain healthy watersheds. With more than 65 years of experience, NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship and land management.
The NPCA manages 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery. To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca.
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca