Back to Search
For Friday March 24th, 2023, this notice is intended to inform the public and local municipalities of the condition of watercourses and the Lake Erie Shoreline 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.
Our area is currently under a Special Weather Statement as issued by Environment Canada, which is calling for a potent spring storm to hit our area beginning late tonight and continue into Sunday. The forecast is calling for strong southwest winds and significant rainfall. The rain will start early Saturday morning and continue until early morning Sunday. Total rainfall accumulations will be 20 to 40mm. Along with the rainfall, this system will bring strong southwest winds starting Saturday afternoon with winds easing early Sunday morning. Sustained winds of 60km/hr with gusts over 90km/hr may occur during this time. The strong winds and rainfall will serve to increase water levels on both the Lake Erie Shoreline and in local watercourses.
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry predict that Lake Erie water levels will increase by 1.2m (~4 feet) above current levels to an elevation of approximately 175.58 m at Port Colborne and Fort Erie. Significant wave heights of 1.85m (6 feet) in addition to the storm surge are also forecast to occur during this time which will serve to increase the potential for flooding and erosion along the lakeshore. Lake Erie water levels are expected to peak late evening Saturday.
At the present time, water levels in the upper reaches of our major watercourses (Welland River, 20 Mile Creek in the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County) remain high due to runoff from recent snowmelt and rainfall events. Water levels are however currently below critical elevations in these sections. Central and lower sections of the Welland River, 20 Mile Creek and all major watercourses (in the Niagara Region) are slightly above average water levels for this time of year but are currently well below critical elevations. Under these conditions, water levels in watercourses will increase throughout our jurisdiction and localized flooding may occur.
Residents living along Lake Erie should pay very 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, and our local creeks and rivers at this time due to slippery slopes and elevated water levels as they can be hazardous. Motorists are also reminded not to travel through flooded roadways as they can pose hidden dangers.
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/stream-flow-monitoring
This notice is in effect until 9:00am, Tuesday, March 28th, 2023, and will be updated as required.
A message from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
Subscribe