Parts of Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario Waterfront trails closed by flooding

Portions of both Hamilton's main waterfronttrails are closed due to flooding, erosion and debris tossed by waves as experts warn Lake Ontariowater levels are expectedto hit or exceed historic highs within the next few days.

Lake Ontariowater levels have reached75.85 metres, according to a media release from the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board Monday.

That's compared to the record of 75.88 metres set in 2017 and the organizations sayslevels areexpected to continue rising in the coming weeks, especially if wet weather continues.

The impact ofthat water is starting to be felt in Hamilton, where the lake has overwhelmed sandbags and started to cover pathways.

The Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trial has been blocked off between Bayfront Park and Princess Point.

A section of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail has also been shut down east of Wild Water Works to the bridge at Waterfront Trail Lookout Point.

The city says damage has also causedrestrictions on paths near the Breezeway Trail and by the Burlington Bridge. The York Street High Level Bridge stairs leading to the Bayfront Trail have also been closed.

Staff are asking people to avoid the areas above and saythe trails will be closed until the water level drops.