Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara residents alerted to potential flooding

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Published January 5, 2022 at 10:36 am

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Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and Niagara residents are being urged to avoid the Lake Ontario shoreline and nearby rivers and streams today and tomorrow as five-foot waves brought about by high winds could cause flooding.

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) officials say a provincial flood watch has been issued for the entire Lower Great Lakes Shoreline Region, which includes the areas listed above.

In Niagara, the flood watch also applies to areas close to the Lake Erie shoreline.

CVC officials say that “strong south/southwest winds gusting between 60 and 70 km/h are expected throughout Wednesday,” peaking in the evening hours.

“Waves in excess of 1.5 metres (nearly five feet) could be seen in the Lower Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario, causing surge-related flooding in vulnerable locations in shoreline areas,” officials continued.

As a result, CVC says, “streams and rivers close to the Lake Ontario shoreline will become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts, bridges and dams. There is a potential for flooding in low-lying areas. The public is warned to stay away from Lake Ontario shoreline and nearby watercourses.”

The provincial flood watch is in effect until Thursday.

In Mississauga, residents are also urged to call 3-1-1 to report flooding or an issue with a culvert.

People can help out by:

  • ensuring street catch basins aren’t blocked and keeping eavestroughs clear
  • reporting blocked catch basins, street flooding and damaged street trees by calling 3-1-1 (in Mississauga)
  • reporting trees or branches on electrical wires, or power outages, to Alectra (in Mississauga)

 

 

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