This is an early notice of the potential for Lake Ontario shoreline flooding and erosion in the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) watershed.
HCA is advising that strong shore-bound waves are currently forecasted for Thursday (October 30). Should the forecasted waves occur, there is potential for significant localized flooding and erosion along the Lake Ontario shoreline, due to the storm surge and wave action.
Current local forecasts for Thursday (October 30) are predicting strong sustained winds from the north-east to north-west of up to 38 km/hr, with maximum wind gusts of up to 68 km/hr. Maximum wave heights of 2.0 m are forecasted.
HCA staff continue to monitor Lake Ontario wave conditions closely.
As Thursday approaches, residents along the Lake Ontario shoreline should pay close attention to updated wave forecasts, and should consider preparing accordingly. Also, HCA wishes to remind all residents to stay away from lakefront areas, if the forecasted waves occur. High winds and wave action may pose significant flooding, erosion, and public safety hazards.
Current shore-bound winds do not pose significant water safety concerns nor significant flooding concerns
This message is in effect until Friday, October 31, 2025 at 3:30 pm, by which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA will issue updates prior to October 31 as needed.
There is one other active message at this time. A Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook) – Inland Lake and River Flooding was issued separately at the same time as the above message.
For further information or questions regarding this Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook) – Lake Ontario Storm Surge message, please contact:
Jonathan Bastien, Manager, Water Resources Engineering
Phone: 905-525-2181 ext. 138
Jonathan.Bastien@conservationhamilton.ca
