Niagara region issues flood alert for Lake Erie, closes schools ahead of anticipated blizzard

With a winter storm on its way for many parts of Ontario Friday, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has issued a flood warning for the Lake Erie shoreline, with impacts expected in Port Colborne and Haldimand County.

"Strong southwest winds will serve to increase water levels and wave action along the Lake Erie shoreline," the NPCA said Thursday.

The alert comes after a winter storm warning for much of Southern Ontario over the holiday weekend. Niagara Falls, Welland and the southern Niagara region are expected to experience a "crippling blizzard" Friday and Saturday, according to Environment Canada.

Wind gusts are expected of 100 to 120 km per hour, with 15 to 30 cm of snow expected to fall by Sunday morning, with even more possible in Fort Erie. 

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry of Ontario predict that Lake Erie water levels will increase 2.35m above current levels at Port Colborne and Fort Erie. 

In addition to the storm surges reaching heights of 2m, water levels are expected to peak on Friday morning and remain elevated into Saturday, with increased likelihood of erosion and flooding.

Niagara schools, Fort Erie and Port Colbourne offices to close Friday

Both the Niagara District School Board and the Niagara Catholic District School Board have also decided to close doors to their schools Friday, in anticipation of the storm. 

Conseil scolaire Viamonde, the French school board, announced Thursday it was also preemptively closing its schools and administrative buildings.

Brock University says it will be closed for non-essential activities on Friday.

The Niagara Region has also cancelled in-person seniors community programs for Friday, and the Bridge Street Landfill in Fort Erie will be closed on Friday.

The Town of Fort Erie said it will be closing its town hall municipal building on Friday and directs inquiries about any after-hours emergency situations related to water, sewer or road conditions to 905-871-1600.

Niagara Parks also said the south Niagara Parkway will be closed, starting at 7 a.m., from Central Avenue, Fort Erie to Queen Street, Fort Erie.

Port Colborne is also closing its administration offices in "abundance of caution" on Friday and will remain closed until Jan. 3, 2023. City staff will still be on duty and available to assist via email.