The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that water levels and flows in all watercourses within the HCA watershed are expected to increase significantly, as a result of the rain and potential thunderstorms forecasted for today and tomorrow (April 24 and 25).
Significant watercourse flooding has the potential to occur. Also, significant water safety concerns, as well as localized watercourse flooding of low-lying areas that typically flood during higher water levels, are expected to occur.
There is considerable uncertainty as to the amount of runoff that will occur, given the relatively large range of forecasted rain amounts. As such, HCA staff continue to monitor watercourse, watershed, and weather conditions closely.
A close watch on local conditions is recommended. Also, HCA wishes to remind residents to exercise caution near all water bodies and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams during this time. 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 currently.
In Spencer Creek, current water levels and flows are elevated but below to slightly below thresholds for significant water safety concerns. In other local watercourses, current water levels and flows are slightly elevated above baseflow conditions. Currently, there is no significant watercourse flooding nor any significant water safety concerns in any watercourses.
Overnight later today (April 24), the Hamilton area is expected to receive between 9 and 36 mm of total rain (this includes 9 to 26 mm of rain, with an additional 5 to 10 mm possible if thunderstorms occur). Then on Saturday (April 25), the Hamilton area is expected to receive between 3 and 20 mm of rain.
This message is in effect until Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM, by which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA will issue updates prior to April 28 as needed.
There is one other active message at this time. A FLOOD WATCH – Lake Ontario Storm Surge message was also issued at the same time as the above message.
For further information or questions regarding the two FLOOD WATCH messages, please contact:
Jonathan Bastien, Manager, Water Resources Engineering
Phone: 905-525-2181 ext 138
Mobile: 905-515-3087
Fax: 905-648-4622
Email: jbastien@conservationhamilton.ca
