The Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline has been upgraded to a Flood Warning. High winds, waves and freezing spray conditions are expected to cause flooding and impact properties along the lakeshore overnight Thursday & into Friday.

Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for the eastern end of Lake Erie. Gale force winds of 34 to 47 knots are occurring or expected to occur before diminishing later Friday. A wave warning has also been issued indicating waves of up to 3-4 metres near noon Friday before subsiding later in the day. A freezing spray warning will also be in effect Thursday overnight and into Friday.

The Port Maitland Pier has been closed due to unsafe conditions and Haldimand County Emergency Services is urging the public to stay away from this area. Fire Chief Jason Gallagher is also encouraging residents to avoid non-essential travel along the lakeshore as wave spray may result in hazardous road conditions.

“Residents should remain alert throughout this weather event, keep a close eye on changing conditions and watch for updated flood messages and weather warnings,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Fire Chief & Manager of Emergency Services. Residents are also encouraged to contact their insurance provider about flood insurance & ice damage if they do not already have it.

The MNRF’s surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is indicating a rise in levels of 2.3 metres (7.6 feet) above chart datum of 173.5 m IGLD85 at the gauge in Port Colborne. The peak level is forecast to occur around 8 pm Thursday evening.

The MNRF forecast is predicting the following in the vicinity of Port Maitland:

Lake Erie current elevation at Port Maitland:       175.2 m (IGLD 1985)

Lake Erie estimated to peak at:                                     175.6 m (IGLD 1985), excluding waves

Lake Erie Expected time of peak:                                  Thursday, February 27 (around 8 pm)

Critical Level:                                                                          175.5 m (IGLD 1985)

Forecast (estimated) Peak Lake Level:                        0.1 m above the critical level, excluding waves

Area of Impact:                                                                      Zone 1 flood zone along Lake Erie Shoreline

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout Thursday and Friday.

A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This Flood Warning message will remain in effect until 4pm on Friday, February 28, 2020 and will be updated as needed.