Flood Watch: E. Lake Ontario Shorelines and Upper St. Lawrence River

Published on: 2017/10/15 - in Releases

storm surge

A flood watch has been issued due to storm surge for Sunday into the evening/overnight hours when wind gusts could reach 80+ km/h.

Release — The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has issued a Flood Watch for eastern Lake Ontario shorelines and areas of the upper St. Lawrence River close to the Lake.

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a Provincial Flood Watch for Lower Great Lakes Region due to storm surge.

“Sustained Winds in excess of 50 km/h from south-southwest transitioning into west are forecast for the Lower Great Lakes Region on Sunday through the day into the evening/overnight hours. Wind Gusts could reach 80+ km/h.”

“Sustained winds/wind gusts has the potential to cause waves … in excess of 1.5 m on Lake Ontario as per the Surface Water Monitoring Centre’s Storm Surge Model as of Saturday afternoon’s model run…  As a result of high waves and storm surge flooding is expected along Lakes Erie, Ontario and St Clair coastlines in vulnerable areas.”

Residents are reminded that in addition to the potential for flooding during period of high winds and waves, erosion that may occur along the shoreline is also a concern.

For up-to-date Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River water levels in your area visit the Fisheries and Oceans Canada links for Kingston and for Brockville.

For up-to-date wind and wave forecasts visit the following links to marine forecasts: for Eastern Lake Ontario and from Kingston to Cornwall.


Property owners are also reminded to turn off electricity to buildings or structures in flood prone or low-lying areas and to move gasoline and other chemicals to higher ground. Any work along shorelines (e.g. placement of fill, armour stone, etc.) will require a permit from the CRCA. Call our office or visit www.crca.ca for further information.

Municipalities are being advised and will be assessing the situation to determine appropriate response. They can be contacted to inquire about physical/material assistance (e.g. sand and sand bags).

For further information on Lake Ontario visit ontario.ca/flooding.

For up to date flooding information, please visit the CRCA’s flood forecasting and information page at crca.ca/flood.

CRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions, forecasts, and update statements as needed.

This Flood Watch will remain in effect until Tuesday, October 17, 2017.


See below for watershed conditions terminology:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourse or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.


Photo: Pixabay (cc)
Release source: Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority