Rainfall Prediction Leads to Inland Lakes and Streams ‘Water Safety’ Statement

Published on: 2019/10/31 - in News

Following estimates of 40 to 60 mm or more of rainfall in the Cataraqui Region tomorrow, October 31, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has issued a ‘Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety‘ today.

[Read the CRCA’s October 31 update below]

According to the CRCA, if the higher range of rainfall occurs, there is the potential for inundation of low-lying areas, with higher than normal flows expected in area watercourses and through dams for Thursday and into next week. Water managers will continue operating area dams to pass flows down through the system but lake levels may rise for several days following this period of rainfall.

While widespread flooding is not expected at this time, anyone who does witness flooding and/or requires assistance should directly contact their local municipality.

“CRCA is urging caution around dams (inflow and outflow channels) and fast flowing watercourses,” the CRCA states. “Respect the hazards in these areas by obeying all warning signs, booms, buoys, and barriers. Stay well back from the edge of waters above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.”

Updated statements will be released as needed as staff continue to monitor conditions and forecasts. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect up to November 7, 2019 atl 11:59 PM.


October 31 udate: watershed conditions statement – Flood outlook | For Lake Ontario & St. Lawrence River – storm surge

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River today due to forecasted strong winds and resulting storm surge and high waves.

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry states that:

Strong winds are forecast along the lower Great Lakes Thursday evening into Friday. Sustained winds across the lower Great Lakes are forecast to exceed 50 km/hr with gusts up to 80 km/hr.  These strong winds are forecast to result in storm surge in excess of 1 m with waves near or exceeding 2 m on Lake Huron/Georgian Bay and in the eastern end of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Strong winds along the lower Great Lakes may result in shoreline flooding wave uprush, and increased shoreline erosion.

The CRCA is urging residents to take care along the shoreline. Unsafe/unstable banks have been reported due to recent erosion, which may deteriorate further during this weather event. High water and wave action may deposit debris along shorelines and beaches. 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.

The current water levels as of October 31, measured at Kingston and Brockville of 74.9 metres and 74.6 metres respectively, about average summer peak level, are approximately 0.3 – 0.4 metres above average for this time of year.

If you witness flooding and require assistance your first point of contact is the local municipality. CRCA does not provide sandbags. However, information about where to purchase sandbags is provided at www.crca.ca/flood<http://www.crca.ca/flood>. Residents are reminded that it is the property owner’s responsibility to properly dispose of sandbags and sand, which is considered hazardous waste, and any other debris that may have been deposited along the shoreline.

CRCA appreciates feedback from the public and municipal staff detailing flooding and erosion impacts. Please report observations on the online form at www.crca.ca/flood<http://www.crca.ca/flood>.

Staff will continue to monitor forecasts, Surface Water Monitoring Centre Provincial Statements, local water levels, and update CRCA messaging as needed. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) 11:59 PM November 4, 2019.

Visit the CRCA’s flood forecasting and information page for up to date information on water levels, wind and wave forecasts, and Provincial flood messages.


Photo: Rubberdragon on Flickr (cc)