An incoming weather system has the potential to cause flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline Wednesday evening into Thursday.

• A Flood Watch has been issued by the Long Point Region Conservation Authority for shoreline areas within its jurisdiction.
• A Flood Warning has been issued by the Grand River Conservation Authority for areas within its jurisdiction.

Environment Canada has issued a strong wind warning, forecasting strong southwesterly winds of 50 km/h with gusts up to 100 km/h over Lake Erie Wednesday evening and into early Thursday morning. With the forecasted winds, a lake surge is expected to cause minor flooding in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.

Peak lake levels are currently expected to occur between late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Wave heights are forecast to reach up to 2 meters along the shoreline.

A Flood Zone lookup tool is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods where residents may check to see if their property would be impacted by a Zone 1 flood.

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

High winds can toss loose objects and turn them into extremely dangerous projectiles. For this reason, residents are encouraged to shut storm shutters and tie down or secure outdoor items.

Haldimand County Emergency Services & Public Works Operations staff will be actively monitoring lake/road conditions and are prepared to respond if necessary. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

Check the Haldimand County website, Facebook & Twitter pages for the most up-to-date flood messages. You can also tune in to 92.9 The Grand FM, Haldimand’s official emergency broadcast partner.