News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Environment Canada has declared the rainfall warning for the area over, however the impact of the widespread rainfall will be felt by the watershed for the next few days.
“Over the last 48 hours, the watershed has received over a month’s worth of rain (between 85.6 and 122.5 mm) which has contributed to elevated water levels throughout the watershed,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “However, the worst is over. Water levels in Kettle Creek and its major tributary, Dodd Creek have peaked and are slowly coming down,” says Dow. The intense rainfall resulted in flooding in natural floodplain areas and parks that traditionally flood in spring, extensive ponding in low-lying areas and agricultural fields, flooded roadways and overland flow.
Environment Canada has issued a Strong Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie. Winds from the southwest are expected all afternoon on Thursday before veering to west Thursday evening and diminishing overnight into Friday. Sustained wind speeds may reach up to 55 km/hr with the potential for stronger 60-70 km/hr wind gusts. “Port Stanley is especially vulnerable to winds over 50 km/hr from the southwest, which means there remains a risk for flooding and erosion along the shoreline. Storm surge can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding.
Residents along Kettle Creek, are advised to carefully monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. KCCA is reminding parents to keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks, flood plain areas and ponds. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all waterways.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Watch will remain in effect until Friday, September 24 at 4:30 p.m. For further updates, log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Facebook and Twitter @KettleCreekCA.
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Jennifer Dow
Water Conservation Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228
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.