Record lake levels raise overland flooding fears across the region
Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are on track to break records for their water levels this April — further raising the already heightened flooding concerns of the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
According to ERCA, Lake St. Clair started the month with a water level 34 centimetres higher than where it was at this time last year. Lake Erie started the month 33 centimetres higher.
Both lakes also equalled or exceeded their monthly records in January, February and March.
“It’s been a challenging season so far,” said Tim Byrne, ERCA’S director of watershed management services, warning that the record-breaking could continue into July.
As of Friday, ERCA has dealt with nine flooding events across the region so far this year, from Lakeshore to Leamington and Pelee Island.
Due to the elevated lake levels, even mild winds have been generating waves capable of overtopping shorelines.
That’s in addition to the region’s ongoing shoreline erosion issues, further increasing the risk of flooding and infrastructure damage.
The Town of Tecumseh has been preparing for a flood emergency over the past month. This week, the municipalities of Lasalle and Amherstburg also advised residents to ready themselves for flooding.
“Overland flooding in Lasalle is a real threat,” warned the Town of Lasalle on Tuesday, encouraging citizens to sign up at www.lasallealerts.ca for time-sensitive messages about emergency situations.
In recent days, the Town of Amherstburg has been planting stakes along its roadways identified in ERCA’S flood mapping: South Riverview Drive, Lakewood Drive, Mcleod Avenue, Mcbride Road, and Willow Beach Road.
Each stake has markings to indicate one foot, two feet, and three feet. They’re meant to show drivers the shoulder of the road and give an idea of depth if the roadway becomes covered in flood water.
“In the event of overland flooding, it may become difficult for our emergency services and response crews to navigate the roadways,” explained Antonietta Giofu, Amherstburg’s director of engineering and public works.
Giofu said she anticipates the stakes will be necessary into the fall.
Public works departments in both Lasalle and Amherstburg are offering free sandbags to those who need them. In Lasalle, call 519-969-4143. In Amherstburg, call 519-736-3664. Bring your own shovel, up to 100 sandbags per household.
Meanwhile, the conservation authority issued another flood warning on Tuesday, this time for low-lying beach communities in Lakeshore.
ERCA said continuing strong winds and the elevated lake levels are resulting in splashing, spray, and flooding on properties and roadways between Ruscom River and Lighthouse Cove.
“All other areas continue to remain under the long-term flood watch due to the high static Great Lakes water levels,” ERCA stated. “People are advised to pay close attention to local conditions.”
Spots that need to be particularly monitored include the flood control dikes in Southeast Leamington, Point Pelee Drive between Sturgeon Creek and Point Pelee National Park, the Little River Drain corridor in Windsor, and the western shorelines of Pelee Island.