NPCA issues flood warning

Warm temperatures and rapidly melting snow could create dangerous conditions around area waterways and some localized flooding, says the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

The NPCA issued a water safety statement on Friday, advising residents to take extra care this weekend.

“Over the last 24 hours, the region has experienced temperatures well above freezing, which has resulted in a majority of the snowpack melting and running off into local creeks and rivers,” says the advisory. “Light rain in the amount of five to 10 mm accompanied this melting event. The combination of warm temperatures and rain has elevated water levels within our local watercourses.”

While some smaller water courses like Four Mile Creek in Niagaraon-the-Lake and 12 Mile Creek in Pelham and Thorold have peaked and are beginning to recede, larger watercourses like 20 Mile Creek and the Welland River are still rising but not expected to reach critical levels, says the authority.

Flooding of low-lying areas is expected and is already occurring.

Residents are urged to keep themselves, children and pets away from streams and creeks as these watercourses and their associated ice conditions will be hazardous. Drivers are reminded of the increased risk of water over roads and should not drive through any flooded roadway, being particularly careful at night.

The NPCA is also advising local municipalities to check for debris and ice clogging culverts, catch basins and other storm infrastructure.

Information on the flood status in the watershed and water levels within local watercourses can be found on the NPCA’s website at: npca.ca/flood-status or npca.ca/ stream-flow-monitoring.

The advisory remains in effect until Sunday, says the NPCA, and will be updated as required.