CRCA Flood Warning update: ‘water levels still very high’

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has updated its Flood Warning for Lake Ontario and The St. Lawrence River as of Wednesday, Jul. 24, 2019.

According to CRCA, the Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board is reporting a lake-wide water level of 75.80 metres as of Sunday, Jul. 21, 2019. This is about 12 cm below this year’s peak of 75.92 metres, which was last recorded on Saturday, Jun. 15, 2019.

As a result of heavy rainfall on Monday, Jul. 17, 2019, the water level, which had begun a slow decline, recently plateaued, CRCA said in the Flood Warning statement. Lake Ontario outflows remain at 10,400 m³/second since Thursday, Jun. 13, 2019. This is equivalent to the record-high outflows released for several weeks during the summer of 2017.

“The current water levels measured at Kingston and Brockville of 75.71 metres and 75.30 metres respectively, are still very high,” CRCA said in the updated Flood Warning statement. “Flooding and erosion damage from high waves remain a concern.”

The Conservation Authority said that the unusually high water levels remain, resulting in localized flooding and erosion impacts in flood-prone and low-lying areas, particularly during periods of strong winds and high waves.

“Depending on rainfall amounts, water levels are expected to resume a slow decline this week, but related flooding and erosion concerns are likely to persist for weeks to come,” the CRCA said.

“The CRCA is urging residents to pay close attention to forecasts for approaching storms with high winds from the southeast, south or southwest.”

Those affected by flooding are able to contact the City of Kingston at 613-546-0000 to arrange pickup of sand and sandbags at 875 Innovation Drive. You will be asked when you plan to pick up the sand or sandbags. Those outside the city limits can visit www.crca.ca/flood for information on where to purchase sandbags.

The CRCA is reminding property owners 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. Any work along shorelines, such as placement of fill or armour stone, will require a permit from the CRCA. For further information on water levels, wind and wave forecasts, and Provincial flood messages visit www.crca.ca/flood.

CRCA issues Flood Warnings when flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.