Flood watch in effect for areas in Niagara, Haldimand County

Niagara Peninsula Conservation has issued a flood watch for several communities due to rapidly increasing temperatures and expected rainfall.

The current forecast is calling for temperatures to remain above the freezing mark, which will result in a significant snow melt.

The flood notice was released on Wednesday at 4 p.m., it says localized flooding may happen in low-lying areas in Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, and Power Glen.

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The snow melt and rainfall is not anticipated to result in riverine flooding, says Niagara Peninsula.

However, the same can’t be said for Haldimand County to Fort Erie, as expected rainfall may cause some waterways to flood – depending on how much rain falls on Friday.

Residents are urged to stay away from creaks and rivers at this time, as the conditions make them especially dangerous this time of year.

There are photos circulating of the ice covered lake front homes in #FortErie & #PortColborne.

The problem is people are traveling to see them on roads that still have deep snow and closures. We have cars getting stuck & people walking on unsafe lake ice.

Stay home – Stay safe pic.twitter.com/T2qhKzA5Di

— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) December 28, 2022

Niagara police are also asking people to stay off Lake Erie, as the near-shore ice pack is particularly unstable.

Niagara Peninsula says rain is predicted to start on Friday and continue into Saturday, with expected 15 to 25mm of rainfall.

The flood watch is in effect until 12 p.m. on Monday.

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