News Release
For immediate release
This notice is intended to update the public and local municipalities on the status of the Lake Erie shoreline within the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority.
Lake Erie water levels have continued to slowly decline over the month of October. However, data collected in Port Stanley indicate that the current water level is still 69cm higher than average. This measurement does not account for any increase in water level due to storm surge or wind driven waves. Currently, the static (calm) water level in Lake Erie is fluctuating with rain events.
Residents along the Lake Erie Shoreline and in particular the Village of Port Stanley are reminded to remain extra observant of sustained and gusty southwesterly winds at or above 50 km/hr. “Even though the water level in Lake Erie has been slowly declining, the current water level is still only 17cm below record highs and only 7cm below what was recorded at this time last year,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor.
“The risk of storm surge impacts are expected to continue into the fall, even as lake levels continue a seasonal decline,” says Dow. “Take advantage of the remaining fall days and get items out of the flood plain before it’s too late. Docks, boats, canoes, sheds, picnic tables and outdoor furniture that weathered the storms and high water levels in their current storage locations, may not stay secure this fall or next spring,” says Dow.
Residents are advised to keep an eye on their local conditions and take appropriate action when necessary as storm surge can occur quickly with little warning. Residents can consult Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast to get up to date information on local wind speeds and direction as well as local marine watches and warnings.
Residents should take extra caution to avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as creeks, streams and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. The combination of slippery banks, waves, waves overtopping shoreline structures, and fast moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from flowing or standing water as well as shoreline areas.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and provide updates as warranted. Unless superseded by a Flood Watch, this Shoreline Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until November 30, 2020 at which time conditions will be reevaluated. For further updates, log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Facebook and Twitter @KettleCreekCA.
-30-
Marianne Levogiannis
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 x224
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:
- Watershed Conditions Statement (Previously High Water Safety Bulletin): 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 (Previously Flood Advisory): Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning (No change): 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.