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 3 and 4).
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.
There is considerable uncertainty as to the amount of runoff that will occur, given the combination of rain and potential thunderstorms on wet soil conditions. As such, HCA staff continue to monitor watercourse, watershed, and weather conditions closely.
In Spencer Creek, current water levels and flows are considerably elevated and just below thresholds for significant water safety concerns. In other local watercourses, current water levels and flows are elevated above baseflow conditions, but do not pose significant water safety concerns. Currently, there is no significant watercourse flooding in any watercourses.
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.
Over the rest of today (April 3), the Hamilton area is expected to receive between 0 and 12 mm of total rain (this includes 0 to 2 mm of rain, with an additional 5 to 10 mm possible if thunderstorms occur). Then on Saturday (April 4), the Hamilton area is expected to receive between 15 and 32 mm of total rain (this includes 15 to 22 mm of rain, with an additional 5 to 10 mm possible if thunderstorms occur).
This message is in effect until Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM, by which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA will issue updates prior to April 7 as needed.
There are no other active messages currently.
For further information or questions regarding this message, 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
