LOCAL BRIEF

NPCA issues flood warning

With more heavy rain the forecast, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning for residents along the Lake Ontario shoreline. The peninsula is projected to receive another 25 mm to 35 mm of rain through today, says the authority in the warning posted to its website. Levels in waterways are well below critical thresholds and are not expected to be impacted by the rain. However, with the passing low-pressure system, the forecasted northeasterly sustained winds across Lake Ontario may produce storm surge and wave action that could worsen the existing high water conditions. There is an increased risk of backshore flooding, shoreline flooding and shoreline erosion resulting from storm surge and increased wave action, says the warning. Strong winds from the northeast are forecast for Thursday, beginning in the early morning until late evening. Residents living along Lake Ontario from Hamilton to Niagara-on-the-Lake are urged to exercise caution near the lakefront and to monitor weather conditions, paying particular attention to wind direction and speed. There has been a significant amount of rainfall experienced this spring in the Lake Ontario basin and the lake’s water level is presently at 75.86 metres, the highest level recorded since 1918. Lake Ontario water levels are expected to continue rising slightly through May, says NPCA.