Haldimand County Tackling Storm Cleanup, Damage Assessments

Overnight on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1, severe winds and high waves downed trees and caused roadway flooding & damage throughout Haldimand County. Haldimand County Emergency Services and Roads crews worked through the night to clear debris and close affected roads. Much of the cleanup and damage assessments were completed over the weekend and all roads have now been re-opened.

Lakeshore Rd. east of Reicheld Rd. sustained the most significant damage and crews worked throughout the weekend to remove debris and asphalt heaved by strong waves. Staff have installed a temporary gravel roadway for this affected section of Lakeshore Rd. and the road has been re-opened.

Further updates about the impacts of this storm will be issued as information becomes available.

 

Flood Watch Upgraded To Flood Warning For Lake Erie Shoreline

Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning for the entire Lake Erie shoreline within its jurisdiction. The Watershed Conditions Statement issued by the Grand River Conservation Authority remains in effect.

Environment Canada is forecasting 70 km/h winds or higher out of the south-west with gusts 90 km/h or higher this evening and continuing into early Friday morning.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Port Colborne to rise 1.4 meters above the current level to an elevation of 176.0 meters (IGLD) and Long Point to rise 0.9 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.5 meters (IGLD). Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.8 meters in the Port Colborne area and up to 3.4 meters in the Long Point area. The forecasted lake surge and wave heights are larger in magnitude to what occurred during this past Sunday’s event. Water levels are expected to peak between 10:00 PM Thursday evening and 2:00 AM Friday morning.

Flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline if this level is reached.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore and implement closures as necessary. Access to the Port Maitland Pier has been closed off and the public is urged to stay away from this area due to expected high winds and waves.

Members of the public are urged to stay away from all shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Residents are also advised to contact their insurance company regarding flood insurance if they do not already have it.

This Flood Watch is in effect until noon on Friday, November 1, 2019.

Flood Watch Issued For Lake Erie Shoreline, Residents Urged To Stay Away From Waterways

Effective immediately, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for all areas along the Lake Erie shoreline. The Grand River Conservation Authority has also issued a Watershed Conditions Statement for the Grand River Watershed.

Environment Canada is expecting up to 37 km/h winds from the northeast this afternoon, diminishing to 19 km/h southeast overnight and south Thursday morning. Winds are expected to increase to 28 km/h southwest by noon Thursday, and further increase to 65 km/h southwest Thursday evening.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently forecasting Port Colborne to rise 1.1 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.7 meters (IGLD) and Long Point to rise 0.5 meters above the current level to an elevation of 175.2 meters (IGLD).  Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.7 meters in the Port Colborne area and up to 2.5 meters in the Long Point area. The forecasted lake surge and wave heights are similar in magnitude to what occurred during this past Sunday’s event.

Lake levels are expected to begin to rise early Thursday afternoon, and peak between 8:00 PM and midnight late Thursday evening. If this surge level is reached, flooding can be expected in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

“In addition to the flooding, high winds will likely pose a hazard during this event, especially when they peak Thursday evening,” said Jason Gallagher, Fire Chief / Manager of Emergency Medical Services. “High winds can easily toss objects that become projectiles; it’s best to stay indoors if at all possible,” Gallagher added.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore and will implement closures as necessary. Access to the Port Maitland Pier will be closed tomorrow afternoon and the public is urged to stay away from this area due to expected high winds and waves.

Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Residents are also advised to contact their insurance company regarding flood insurance if they do not already have it.

This Flood Watch is in effect until noon on Friday, November 1, 2019.

Grand River Conservation Authority Issues Flood Warning For Port Maitland & Areas Downstream Of The Dunnville Dam

On Saturday, October 27 the Grand River Conservation Authority issued a Flood Warning for areas along the Grand River downstream of Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.

Environment Canada has issued high wind warnings for the Lake Erie shoreline, warning of damaging south west winds, gusting up to 90 km/h. A low pressure system moving across southern Ontario is expected to bring high winds late Sunday morning and through the afternoon, ending by this evening. Strong winds that may cause damage are expected.

While uncertainty remains in the height of the Lake Erie surge, forecasts indicate a risk for flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline and Grand River downstream of Dunnville Dam. Waves of up to 1.5 m are forecast to accompany this surge event.

Haldimand County Emergency Services staff and the OPP will be closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore on Sunday to implement closures as necessary. Haldimand County Emergency Services has closed off access to the Port Maitland pier. Fire Chief Jason Gallagher is urging the public to stay away from the pier due to high winds and wave action.

Members of the public are urged to stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Residents should contact their insurance company regarding flood insurance if they do not already have it. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

The Flood Warning will remain in effect until 8pm on Sunday, October 28, 2019. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.

Flood Warning terminated

The Grand River Conservation Authority has terminated all flood watches and warnings.

Flows continue to recede throughout the Grand River watershed. River ice and associated ice jams have generally moved out of the river system. A small ice jam remains in place in the Grand River at Port Maitland. This ice jam is not causing major flooding at this time.

Milder weather with limited rainfall is expected to move in to the watershed over the coming week. These weather conditions will help melt the remaining snow pack. The slow release of runoff into local waterways is not anticipated to cause additional flooding.

Flood Watch Upgraded To Flood Warning; Ice Jam Risk Continues For Haldimand County, Southern Grand River Watershed

The Flood Watch for low-lying areas along the Grand has been upgraded to a Flood Warning. Haldimand County Emergency Services has been monitoring conditions along shoreline areas and have reported minor flooding in the Caledonia, Cayuga, York and Dunnville areas. River levels are high on the upper river between Dunnville and Caledonia. The Kinsmen Park off of Ouse St. in Cayuga is flooded, as well as parts of the Lions Park in Dunnville, Seneca Park, the Caledonia Fairgrounds and York Park. York Park has been closed due to flooding, as well as Ouse St. at Baird St.

Flows in northern and central portions of the Grand River watershed continue to recede but will remain high through the weekend. Flows through Dunnville are forecast to peak shortly after midnight on Sunday morning. Flows through York and Cayuga will peak late Saturday evening.

River ice remains present in the southern Grand River upstream of Dunnville Dam. Residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas in Cayuga, Caledonia, York, Dunnville & Port Maitland should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around riverbanks and lakeshore areas. Residents who have a historic susceptibility to flooding should consider taking action to secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. This may include ensuring sump pumps are functioning and/or securing items along the shore line.

Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.

Flood Warning terminated, High Lake Level Outlook remains in place

The Flood Warning for Lake Erie issued on Sunday, February 24 has been terminated. A Lake Erie Conditions Statement – High Lake Level Outlook remains in place due to the heightened potential for shoreline flooding and erosion.

During the peak of the weather event on Sunday, wind gusts reached upwards of 120 km/h in some locations with sustained winds of approximately 65 km/h along the Lake Erie shoreline. These winds caused flooding of Zones 1 and 2 in Port Maitland due to a lake surge of approximately 0.5m above critical level.

Due to the instability of ice along the Lake Erie shoreline, elevated water levels and cold water temperatures, people are reminded to stay well away from these areas and keep children and pets well back.

Lake levels are updated each hour on the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca under the river data section.

Wind And Flood Warning Continues; High Risk Of Severe Flooding For Areas Downstream Of Dunnville Dam

The Flood Warning remains in effect for areas along the Grand River downstream of Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.
The current forecast indicates a high risk for severe flooding.

Surge levels of this magnitude have not been experienced since December 1985. In addition to high Lake Erie levels there is potential for Lake Erie ice to push up into the Grand River downstream of Dunnville Dam and along the lakeshore.

Uncertainty remains regarding the timing and height of the Lake Erie surge. The timing of the surge peak will affected by the arrival of the strongest winds, while the height will be impacted by the ice cover on Lake Erie and whether the ice begins to break up during this event.

Haldimand County Fire & EMS are urging residents and businesses downstream of the dam to take precautions and remain alert. They should contact their insurance companies for flood insurance if they do not already have it. Powell Marina, Willow Lane, Port Maitland and low point cottage areas are expected to be the main affected areas along the Grand River and Lake Erie Shoreline.

Haldimand County Fire Chief Jason Gallagher is also urging residents stay in their homes and not venture out; high winds mean blowing debris which cause dangerous projectiles. Residents should also stay off the Port Maitland Pier until the winds subside. Residents are also reminded to only call 911 in cases of real emergencies; first responders need to be available to respond to true emergencies.

Haldimand County OPP and municipal staff will continue to monitor roads along the lakeshore on Sunday evening and overnight into Monday morning and implement closures as necessary.

The public are urged to stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas. This message is in effect until Monday, February 25, 2019 and will be updated as needed.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.

Grand River Conservation Authority Warns Of High Lake Erie Levels, Issues Flood Warning For Areas Downstream Of Dunnville Dam

On Friday, February 22, the Grand River Conservation Authority issued a Flood Warning for areas along the Grand River downstream of Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for Lake Erie, warning of damaging south-west winds, gusting up to 110 km/h, beginning Sunday afternoon and persisting through Sunday night. As a result of these winds, Lake Erie levels are expected to rise and there is a strong possibility of flooding and erosion in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline. Powell Marina, Willow Lane, Port Maitland and low point cottage areas are expected to be the main affected areas.

Haldimand County Emergency Services staff and the OPP will be closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore on Sunday to implement closures as necessary.

Members of the public are urged to stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

The Flood Warning will remain in effect until noon on Monday, February 25, 2019. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.