Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., and St. Catharines, Ont., are facing significant flooding after a storm overnight brought an excessive amount of rain, leading to crews working diligently throughout Tuesday.
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake reported that areas near Virgil received 146 millimetres of localized rainfall between 11:30 p. m. Monday and 4:30 a. m. Tuesday, which overwhelmed drainage systems already stressed by saturated ground conditions, high lake levels, and full waterways.
Residents, businesses, and local farmers woke up to find their properties flooded, crops damaged, and water levels extremely high.
The municipalities asked residents to be patient while work continued to clear drainage systems or as the floodwaters receded slowly. They also urged everyone to remain aware of the dangers associated with flooding.
“I want you to rest assured that we’re sorry if you’ve been impacted by this,” said Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa on social media Tuesday.
“Our crews have been out since early morning beginning to identify where they can assist and prioritize things. We’ll prioritize and work through the issues as best we can, and our crews are there to help.”
Some properties experienced water levels knee-deep or higher, while nearby homes remained dry-showing just how localized some of the rain was.
The City of St. Catharines declared a significant weather event on Tuesday, stating on Facebook that it was handling widespread flooding after receiving up to 138 millimetres of rain.
Zalepa mentioned that the town had mobilized resources to support those affected by the storm. Some homes on Four Mile Creek Road just outside Virgil had water reaching three feet deep in their yards and driveways. Meanwhile, vineyards north of Virgil were severely flooded along Niagara Stone Road. By afternoon, ditches were filled with swiftly moving water resembling small rivers.
The Neob Lavender farm on Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake is surrounded by a virtual lake Tuesday afternoon after the overnight storm. (Paul Forsyth/CBC)
At NEOB Lavender farm later that day, deep water nearly encircled the main building while acres of delicate lavender plants stood submerged.
Zalepa advised people not to attempt driving through standing water as it’s impossible to know what’s below its surface.
“Don’t try to clear a culvert on your own; it could be really dangerous if it opens up,” Zalepa said.
St. Catharines sports fields were closed for the day along with park permits being canceled due to flooding damage from the storm. Trails across St. Catharines were also temporarily closed until further notice because of flooding issues.
Niagara District Airport reported that two taxiways remained closed due to flooding affecting parking availability in the afternoon following the storm.
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Niagara resident Trevor Van der Zalm said up to 250 millimetres of water flooded the basement of his home near Niagara-On-The-Lake, causing damages to his carpet, couch, and drywall. (Trevor Van der Zalm)
Van der Zalm reported about 250 millimetres of water flooded his basement. He managed to pump most out but noted that damages included ruined carpets, couches, and drywall which couldn’t be repaired anymore.
“It’s essentially going to be going in the garbage,” he stated.
His house shares land with his business greenhouse for European Planters; though it took on some water too he avoided crop losses since his flowers grow on raised benches.</s
Van der Zalm shared that one neighbor faced greater losses as floodwaters caused major damage.
“They had four greenhouses worth of crop float into one greenhouse and just become a mess,” he explained.
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A roadside fruit selling stand and a home on Four Mile Creek Road are surrounded by deep water on Tuesday afternoon in Niagara-on-the-Lake.(Paul Forsyth/CBC)</s
Denise and Tyler O’Brien were startled awake around 3:30 a. m. when they stepped into ankle-deep water inside their basement bedroom at home in St. Catharines.
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The couple found more rising waters damaging furniture, electronics, a month-old washer, dryer, and even their furnace. Despite these losses they remain positive.
</s “We’ve kind of just laughed our way through it a bit. Makes it go a little easier,” Denise told Tuesday.
</s Christie Blane didn’t experience any flooding herself but felt compelledto help when she heard about so many struggling. She reached out viaa community group on Facebook offering assistance for anyone caringfor elderly parents or individuals who might be alone during this time.
</s “When I saw allthe posts today I just felt it was right thingto do offer help especiallyfor those who mightnot have family.” she told on Tuesday
This is how community supports each other after challenges.” (Blane) Drinkingwater remains safe Niagarasonce again reassured residents dealingwith flooded basementsand standingwaterwas askedto contacttheir insurance companyas soonas possiblebeginning claimusing pumps, a shop vacuumor otheravailable equipmentto safelyremovewater. The Cityof St. Catharines statedasconditions improve, theirstormwater systems will continue drainingand recovering.
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A vineyard along Niagara Stone Roadin Niagara-on-the-Lake is shownflooded Tuesdayafternoon(Paul Forsyth/CBC)
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“Weunderstandhowdifficultandconcerningsituationisourcommunity” Townof Niagaraonthe Lake reiteratedinastatement.
“Sinceearlymorninghourscrewsworkingthroughoutmunicipalitymonitorconditions, pumpingstationsinstallingroadclosurebarricadesrespondingfloodingconcerns clearinghazardssuchasdowntreesprotectpublic safety.” Thetown assuredpeoplethatitsdrinkingwaterremains safe.”Whilesomehydrantsmaybesurroundedbyfloodwatertherehavebeenno problemswiththemuniciple drinkingwatersupply”. People experiencingfloodorsewerissues shouldreport themtothe townvia phone9054683266ext0or submitonline service request , accordingtothetown. Thetownand cityalsopostupdatesonsocialmedia.
‘Essentially going to be going in the garbage’
Local resident Trevor van der Zalm said he woke up around 3 a. m. after his wife noticed water coming into their basement at home on Irvine Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. “We knew it was raining hard and lightning and thunder like crazy,” he recalled. “Then we went outside and there was a ton of water everywhere.”</s “We’ve kind of just laughed our way through it a bit. Makes it go a little easier,” Denise told Tuesday.
</s Christie Blane didn’t experience any flooding herself but felt compelledto help when she heard about so many struggling. She reached out viaa community group on Facebook offering assistance for anyone caringfor elderly parents or individuals who might be alone during this time.
</s “When I saw allthe posts today I just felt it was right thingto do offer help especiallyfor those who mightnot have family.” she told on Tuesday
This is how community supports each other after challenges.” (Blane) Drinkingwater remains safe Niagarasonce again reassured residents dealingwith flooded basementsand standingwaterwas askedto contacttheir insurance companyas soonas possiblebeginning claimusing pumps, a shop vacuumor otheravailable equipmentto safelyremovewater. The Cityof St. Catharines statedasconditions improve, theirstormwater systems will continue drainingand recovering.
