This is an early notice of the potential for watercourse flooding in the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) watershed.
HCA is advising that water levels and flows in all watercourses may increase significantly should the area receive current forecasted rain for Thursday (October 30). Significant water safety concerns, as well as localized watercourse flooding of low-lying areas that typically flood during higher water levels, may occur. In addition, there is low to moderate potential of significant watercourse flooding.
On Thursday (October 30), the Hamilton area is currently expected to receive between 16 and 30 mm of rain. Before this, on Wednesday (October 29), the Hamilton area is expected to receive between 1 and 11 mm of rain.
There is considerable uncertainty as to the amount of rain and runoff that will occur. As such, HCA staff continue to monitor watercourse, watershed, and weather conditions closely.
As Thursday approaches, a close watch on updated forecasts is recommended. Also, HCA wishes to remind residents to use caution near all water bodies and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams, if the forecasted rain is received. Above normal water levels, faster moving water, rapidly changing levels and flows, and slippery banks may pose significant hazards. Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies, if the forecasted rain is received.
Current water levels and flows in area watercourses are near baseflows to slightly elevated above baseflows, and currently do not pose significant water safety concerns nor significant watercourse 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) – Lake Ontario Storm Surge was issued separately at the same time as the above message.
For further information or questions regarding this Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook) – Inland Lake and River Flooding message, please contact:
Jonathan Bastien, Manager, Water Resources Engineering
Phone: 905-525-2181 ext. 138
Jonathan.Bastien@conservationhamilton.ca
