Niagara conservation authority raises flood notice in Hamilton, St. Catharines

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Published September 14, 2021 at 6:22 pm

Red Hill Creek in Hamilton's water levels have risen as a result of rain this week. (Environment Hamilton)

Major flooding is not expected due to the heavy rains in Niagara Region and Hamilton this week, but people should avoid creeks and streams for the next few days.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) says it has raised the flood status to “yellow” in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall in the region. Niagara Region and the eastern portions of the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County have received 30 to 75 millimetres of rain in the last 72 hours, and another 20 to 50 mm are expected to fall.

The flood watch is in effect until 12 noon on Thursday (Sept. 16). It mostly pertains to the central and southern parts of the Niagara Peninsula.

“Residents are urged to keep themselves, children and pets well away from streams and creeks as these watercourses may be hazardous,” the NPCA says. “Local municipalities are advised to check for debris clogging culverts, catch basins and other storm infrastructure.”

Environment Hamilton also shared a video that showed elevated waters in Red Hill Creek, whose watershed is near the Red Hill Valley Parkway. A seven-kilometre span of the creek was realigned to accommodate construction of the expressway, which opened in 2007.

In July 2009, part of the RHVP flooded after a massive downpour.

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