Cataraqui Conservation advises of possible flooding and shoreline erosion
The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority has issued a ‘Shoreline Conditions Statement’ today due to strong winds in the forecast for the coming days.
The statement, issued on Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022, advises of a coming, “Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River storm surge,” as well as high waves due to the winds, and states that the erosion of shorelines and flooding in low-laying areas are possible for the Kingston and Napanee areas as a result.
“A significant Colorado Low is forecast to move into the province over the next several days bringing high winds across the lower Great Lakes,” Cataraqui Conservation said in the statement.
“The Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources & Forestry (NDMNRF) is forecasting increased water levels due to storm surge and wave heights.”
According to the local conservation authority, the SWMC forecasted storm surge values for eastern Lake Ontario on Thursday, Apr. 14 and Friday, Apr. 15, 2022, which, “might be high enough to cause localized shoreline erosion and inundation of low-lying areas.”
“Cataraqui Conservation is urging residents to take care along the shoreline,” the statement said.
The conservation authority said it will continue to monitor International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board water level forecasts, Surface Water Monitoring Centre Provincial Statements, and local water levels, and updated messaging will be issued as needed. The ‘Shoreline Conditions Statement’ will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 16, 2022, unless update before then.
The ‘Shoreline Conditions Statement’ is issued with regard to water safety, which means that, although widespread flooding is not expected, higher than average water levels, unsafe banks, or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users and shoreline residents, according to Cataraqui Conservation.
More information on the local conservation authority and water levels is available on the Cataraqui Conservation website.