Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook / Water Safety
Strong winds with gusts up to 70 km/hr may result in flooding and erosion problems along the Lake Huron shoreline.
A low-pressure system will move across Lake Huron today (Wednesday, January 8, 2020), bringing with it high winds. Strong northwest winds are expected to begin this morning and persist through the day, before decreasing this evening. Maximum sustained wind speeds of 45 kilometres (km) per hour, with gusts of up to 70 km/hr over Lake Huron are possible with this event.
The strong winds, combined with near record-high water levels on Lake Huron, will result in higher than normal waves hitting shoreline areas. This is expected to be a short duration event.
In addition to flooding of low-lying coastal areas, continued erosion of the lakeshore bluff is likely. Residents and municipal officials are reminded to stay well back from breaking waves, and also to stay away from top-of-bluff areas during and after the storm, in case there has been any movement of the lake bank. It is important to remember that there may be a delay between erosion at the toe (bottom) of the bluff and subsequent bluff failure.
This message will remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2020, unless local conditions warrant further updates. Maitland Conservation will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide an update if required.
Contact:
Jeff Winzenried, Water Resources Technician
jwinzenried@mvca.on.ca
519-357-0890
Media Contact:
Jayne Thompson, Communications Coordinator
519-335-3557 ext. 226 519-357-6670 (cell)
Types of Flood Messages:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – General watershed conditions are being assessed for high runoff potential that could lead to flooding, and to remind the public of general river safety issues.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses 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.