News release
For immediate release
St. Thomas –Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is re-issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook, as water levels remain elevated and more rainy spring weather moves into the area over the next few days.
Residents are reminded to stay away from watercourses, keep storm drains clear, remove property from low-lying areas and to monitor their local conditions.
The weather system that moved through the Kettle Creek watershed over the weekend resulted in 50-60 mm of rainfall and localized flooding in floodplains adjacent to waterways. While water levels and flows in local creeks and streams are receding from this event, they will remain elevated throughout the week. There remains a chance for localized flooding depending on the amount of rain that falls across the watershed.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is tracking another strong Colorado low pressure system that will bring rainy weather to the area. An additional 30-50 mm of rain is currently forecast over the next three days, with most of the rain expected to fall on Wednesday. There is also the potential for localized thunderstorms, which may result in additional rainfall and increases the uncertainty surrounding this event.
Prolonged rainfall may cause increased runoff, which could result in elevated water levels in local creeks and streams. Local watercourses may reach or exceed their banks, leading to localized flooding in floodplains, ponding in low lying areas and agricultural fields, and locations with poor drainage. Watershed areas that receive heavy rain due to thunderstorm activity have a heightened risk for flash and minor localized flooding.
Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all watercourses. Banks adjacent to creeks and streams are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard.
“Currently, water levels throughout the watershed are still higher than normal, and conditions can change quickly,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority.
KCCA will closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates if conditions warrant. This Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 4:30PM on Thursday April 6, 2023. For further updates log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Twitter @KettleCreekCA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KettleCreekCa .
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Jennifer Dow
Water Resources Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:
- Watershed Conditions Statement: a general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:
- Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.