ROCHESTER, N.Y. — News10NBC is continuing to track high water levels in Lake Ontario, which could leave local lakeshore communities vulnerable to flooding soon.
Some communities could see flooding as soon as Friday, May 8, according to a report from the International Joint Commission, which tracks water levels in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Water levels are currently 246.8 feet, just six inches shy of the flood zone.
RELATED: Edgemere Drive residents brace for possible flooding as lake level climbs to 246.8 feet
News10NBC’s Kristi Blake checked out the lake levels along Edgemere Drive in Greece on Thursday morning. Lake Ontario has been rising by a centimeter or two every day for the last week.
Forecasts predict that water levels will remain the same or increase through much of the summer. With more rain on the way over the next few days, homeowners on the lake are getting ready now with the help of the town.
Crews are also deploying trailer-mounted pumps near storm sewer systems. Greece Supervisor Jeff McCann said the town received information from the IJC in early March indicating lake levels were in a good place. However, an incredibly wet March and April changed that outlook.
“If people are interested in sandbags, we would deliver the bags and sand. They aren’t filled, but it’s my understanding we have about 40,000 bags in supply right now,” McCann said.
One reason why officials are watching lake levels is that, nearly 10 years ago, the water got so high that it damaged lakeshore homes and businesses. The 2017 and 2019 flooding caused tens of millions of dollars in damage.
How Lake Ontario water levels are regulated
Over the last week, the Lake Ontario outflow was adjusted several times in accordance with the Plan 2014 “F Limit.” The region is currently on the first tier. That means outflow, managed at the Moses-Saunders Dam in Massena, New York, will maintain a maximum level of 72 and a half feet in St. Louis. If Lake Ontario gets above 247 feet, the second “F tier” allows St. Louis to also be raised.
It’s not just what happens in our backyard, but a mix of the Great Lakes region.
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