St. Thomas – Over the last 48 hours the Kettle Creek watershed received 40-55mm of rain. Some areas saw higher amounts due to thunderstorm activity. While water levels in local creeks and streams have peaked and come down considerably, they are still flowing at higher-than-normal levels.
Forecasts are calling for 25-30mm of rain Friday night and Saturday which will extend the higher-than-normal water levels and flows through the weekend. Higher amounts of precipitation are possible due to embedded thunderstorm activity. At this time, the track of the low-pressure system is uncertain, and as such precipitation timing and amounts may change.
“Additional rain on already saturated ground could increase overland runoff into our local watercourses, increasing the potential for nuisance flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to local waterways and exacerbating ponding in agricultural fields,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “Watershed residents should be prepared and pay attention to local conditions,” cautions Dow.
KCCA reminds the public to stay away from fast-flowing water, riverbanks, floodplain areas and ponds. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and standing water can also present unseen hazards.
At this time, forecasted wind speeds and direction, and current Lake Erie water levels are not conducive to storm surge in Port Stanley. A close watch on local conditions is recommended should conditions change. KCCA will continue to closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates if conditions warrant. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until 8:30 AM on Monday April 7, 2025. For further updates visit www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with KCCA socially on X @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.
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