FLOOD WATCH: St. Lawrence River
South Nation Conservation (SNC) has upgraded the Flood Outlook Statement issued on March 13, 2020 to a Flood Watch for the St. Lawrence River.
Weather Forecast:
A low-pressure system is moving across Eastern Ontario, with rainfall amounts of 10 to 30 mm starting tonight and continuing into tomorrow, April 13, 2020. Strong wind gusts upwards of 115 km/h are possible.
Environmental Conditions:
According to the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board, Lake Ontario’s water levels are above average for this time of year and will continue to rise this week as a result of the weather forecast.
Continuing high inflows from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario means that Lake Ontario will continue its seasonal rise and may remain near seasonal highs for the next several weeks. Outflows from Lake Ontario continue to be maximized to the extent possible.
Lake Ontario is now at about the same level as it was at this time in 2017. Its levels rose to 75.30 m last week; 47 cm above average; and 36 cm below a record-high for this time of year set in 1973.
Risks:
Levels in Lake Ontario influence levels in the upper St. Lawrence River, particularly from Kingston to Iroquois, including Maitland, Johnstown and Cardinal.
As Lake Ontario’s levels continue to rise above 75.30 m, there is increased potential for shoreline flooding and flooding in low-lying areas, basement and septic system inundation, and wave-driven erosion.
Residents are also advised that strong winds may cause large waves, further aggravating water levels which may affect structures close to shore.
ACTION:
Residents are advised to stay away from rivers as forecasted weather may rapidly increase river flows, and banks might be unstable and slippery. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and take necessary measures to protect their property, such as:
- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
- Portable backup generator and pump.
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from
the dwelling. - Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase.
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
- Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan.
Duration:
This Flood Watch statement is in effect until Friday, April 17, 2020.
SNC monitors the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
The International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board continues to monitor conditions on an ongoing basis. Information on hydrologic conditions, water levels and outflows, including graphics and photos, are available on the Board’s website at www.ijc.org/en/loslrb.
Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions please email waterwatch@nation.on.ca, or post on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Geoff Owens, SNC Regulations Officer,
613-551-9170, gowens@nation.on.ca
MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Campbell, SNC Communications Specialist,
613-551-7158, tcampbell@nation.on.ca
Forwarded to: All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory
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