Flood Forecasting and Warning Program
Information about the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program, which prepares provincial and local authorities in the event of a flood.
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Current flood information
Flood information updated as of: May 21, 2018 - 8:30 am
Ontario flood map
Provincial Flood Watch for Southern Ontario issued by the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on Friday May 18th at 11:30 am
Locally issued flood messages
Issued by MNRF Districts and Conservation Authorities
MNRF Districts
Conservation Authorities
- Hamilton Region - Flood Watch - May 18, 2018 11:00 am
- Lake Simcoe Region - Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook - May 17, 2018 2:00 pm
River Regulatory Agencies
Provincial Message
Issued to Local Authorities by the Surface Water Monitoring Centre
MNRF Districts
Aurora, Aylmer, Guelph
Conservation Authorities
Catfish Creek, Central Lake Ontario, Credit Valley, Essex Region, Grand River, Halton Region, Hamilton Region, Kettle Creek, Long Point Region, Lower Thames Valley, Niagara Peninsula, Toronto and Region
Weather Situation
Sustained winds between 25 and 40 km/hr from the east/northeast with gusts of up to 50 km/hr are occurring across Lake Erie and western Lake Ontario. Winds are forecast to remain high this evening and tomorrow (Saturday May 19th)before diminishing by Saturday evening.
Risks
Flooding has been reported along the north shore of western Lake Erie. Strong winds across Lake Erie and Ontario will increase water level, wave action, and splash that may cause issues along western Lake Erie and Ontario and exacerbate existing issues.
Streamflow and water levels across the remainder of the Province have largely peaked and are returning to late spring levels and baseflow conditions following the spring freshet presenting minimal flood concern.
A close watch on updated forecasts is recommended.
Flood Message Definitions
Provincial flood messages
There are 2 types of provincial flood messages:
- the Provincial Flood Watch, which provides consistent and timely technical information about the potential for flooding
- the Provincial Watershed Conditions Statement, which provides information on provincial watershed conditions as they relate to flood potential, and an outlook on expected spring flood conditions
Local flood messages
There are 3 types of local flood messages:
- flood warning: flooding is imminent or already occurring
- flood watch: there is the potential for flooding
- watershed conditions statements: flood Outlook (an early notice of the potential for flooding based on heavy rain, snow melt etc.) and water safety information.
Who to contact for flood information
Your local Conservation Authority is responsible for local flood messaging.
Your local municipality is responsible for on-the-ground flood response.
If you live in a community that is not serviced by a conservation authority, any flood watches or flood warnings in your area are issued by the nearest Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry district office.
