Flood in Ashtabula County, Ohio

Lake Erie continued its seasonal rise from February to March, rising about 2 inches to a level of 573.98 feet. This level was a new record high monthly mean water level for March, surpassing its previous record set in 1986 by 3 inches. The March 2020 level was also 12 inches above the March 2019 level and 34 inches above its long term average level. Lack of lake ice supported higher and more repetitive wave action along the shoreline, resulting in continued beach and cliff erosion.

New record high monthly mean water levels were set on Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie in March 2020. All three lakes surpassed their previous records set in 1986. The individual lakes basins experienced precipitation that was near to above average with the Lake Erie basin receiving the most precipitation, which was 121% of average. Water supplies for all of the lakes were above average in March. The higher than average water supply and high lake levels also contributed to outflows being above average. The preliminary outflow estimates through the St. Clair River, Detroit River, Niagara River, and the St. Lawrence River were at record highs for the month of March. There was one lakeshore flood event during the month on March 22nd and 23rd. Source USACE Detroit District.