Flood Watch issued for Lake Erie shoreline, Port Maitland, areas downstream of Dunnville Dam

A Flood Watch has been issued for residents in Zone 1 along the Lake Erie shoreline, Port Maitland & areas downstream of the Dunnville Dam.

The current Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is indicating a rise in lake levels of 1.85 metres (6.1 feet) with the possibility of waves increasing the lake levels to a critical level of 2 metres (6.6 feet) above chart datum of 173.5 m.

Peak level is forecast to occur around midnight into the early hours of Sunday. Uncertainty remains in the height of the Lake Erie surge based on current forecast models.

Members of the public are urged to use caution and 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. Keeping a close watch on local weather conditions is recommended.

Residents can look up their property using the Flood Zone Mapping Tool at www.haldimandcounty.ca/floods to see if they may be affected.

Information related to lakeshore flooding hazards and preparedness – as well as 72-hour emergency kit preparation – is also available on the county website.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions and prepared to respond as necessary. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages.

Updates will be shared as they become available at www.haldimandcounty.ca and via the county’s Facebook and Twitter.

This message is in effect until Sunday, November 20 at 8 a.m.