| Flooding is a natural process.
While the Authority has done much to reduce the risk to life and
property, some flooding in developed areas is still inevitable. The
Authority, therefore, operates a flood warning program designed to warn
residents in flood prone areas. Through a network of 11 stream gauges,
five snow sampling stations, ice monitoring and current meteorological
data, Authority staff monitor stream flow conditions. Should a flood be
imminent, the Municipal Flood Coordinators and the media are contacted
and officials take appropriate action.
There are five types of notices sent to the media and municipalities
depending on watershed conditions:
Types of Flood Notices:
Normal: No flood conditions exist
Watershed Conditions Statement - Water
Safety - High
flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be
dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers,
children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Watershed Conditions Statement -
Flood Outlook -
Early notice of
the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for
heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead
to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch -
Flooding is possible in
specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency
services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should
prepare.
Flood Warning - Flooding is
imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or
municipalities.
In addition
to riverine flooding, the Authority issues notices for
damage which may occur due to wave action along the southern Lake Huron,
St. Clair River and northeastern Lake St. Clair shorelines.
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