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 Tuesday and Wednesday (March 10 and 11).
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 pose significant water safety concerns but not significant watercourse flooding concerns. In other local watercourses, current water levels and flows are elevated above baseflow conditions, but do not pose significant water safety concerns nor significant watercourse flooding concerns.
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, unsafe ice, and slippery banks may pose significant hazards. Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies currently.
On Tuesday (March 10), the Hamilton area is expected to receive between 5 and 35 mm of total rain (this includes 5 to 25 mm of rain, with an additional 5 to 10 mm possible if thunderstorms occur). Then on Wednesday (March 11), 14 to 22 mm of rain is expected.
This message is in effect until Friday, March 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM, by which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA will issue updates prior to March 13 as needed. This message replaces the Flood Watch – Inland Lake and River Flooding message issued on March 4, 2026.
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
