Lake Ontario shoreline in Hamilton under flood watch

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Published May 28, 2021 at 8:18 am

The Lake Ontario shoreline in Hamilton is under a flood watch Friday (May 28) and Saturday as strong winds and significant rainfall are in the forecast.

According to the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), there is an increased risk of significant localized flooding and erosion along the shoreline.

“Local forecasts expect strong sustained winds from the north-east of up to 39 km/hr, with maximum wind gusts of up to 72 km/hr. Resulting wave heights of up to 2.0 m are expected,” HCA said in their flood watch warning.

“Residents living along the Lake Ontario shoreline are urged to monitor the situation closely.”

HCA is urging residents to exercise caution as “high winds and wave action may pose significant flooding, erosion, and public safety hazards.”

https://twitter.com/Hamilton_CA/status/1397984675730268174?s=20

Conditions on the lake and surrounding areas will be closely monitored by staff, HCA said, and updates will be issued accordingly.

Currently, the Lake Ontario water level is approximately 74.76 m, which is about 28 cm below average for this time of year, the HCA warning said.

For reference, the HCA shoreline flooding hazard level used for planning and development review is 78.5 m (which includes a lake level of 76.00 m and 2.5 m of wave action).

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