Flood statement for PEC, especially shorelines

Quinte Conservation’s Flood Outlook Statement for all residents in the Moira River, Napanee Region, and Prince Edward Region watersheds with special attention to those on the shorelines of the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario will continue all month.

“Lake Ontario is about 30 centimetres higher than normal for this time of year and is approaching one in 100 year levels for the lake,” said Christine McClure, water resources manager. “We are warning shoreline residents these high water levels, combined with high winds and waves, may cause damage to their shorelines and shoreline infrastructure.”

McClure said residents should take care to secure personal property such as boats and docks or any other loose items along the shoreline.

“It is likely that these high water levels on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte will continue for the next few weeks.”

She noted the federal government monitors Lake Ontario, and predicts water levels on the lake could rise another 20 centimetres between now and early June.

“The major natural factors affecting Lake Ontario levels are inflow from Lake Erie, precipitation, evaporation, runoff, and wind effects,” she said.

A ‘Flood Outlook Statement’ gives 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.