News Release
For immediate release
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) advises that a Flood Watch is in effect for all shoreline areas within the KCCA watershed. Areas of concern are the low lying beach communities and shoreline areas along Lake Erie, including the low lying areas along the downstream reaches of Kettle Creek in Port Stanley.
“Lake Erie’s static water level remains higher than last year at this time,” says Jennifer Dow KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. “And, because of recent rain events the downstream reaches of Kettle Creek remain elevated. Under these conditions with the forecasted winds we could see nuisance flooding in Port Stanley closest to the creek, and impacts to docks and marinas.”
Residents with docks and boats in Port Stanley should keep an eye on their local conditions and check Environment Canada’s Marine Weather Forecast for information on wave heights, wind speed and direction and local warnings on the Great Lakes.
Currently, Environment Canada is tracking a low pressure system that is expected to bring strong southwesterly winds gusting 70 to 80 km/h late Wednesday morning or early Wednesday afternoon and persist into the evening. There is also the possibility of stronger wind gusts near 90 km/h in the afternoon. Winds will slowly ease Wednesday evening, but are forecast to pick up again Thursday morning before dissipating early Thursday afternoon.
As of today, Lake Erie’s static water level is 174.69m. This water level is 64cm above average and 8cm higher than this time last year. This level does not account for any increase in water levels due to storm surge or wind driven waves.
As a result of the high lake levels, there continues to be a heightened risk for flooding and erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline due to storm surge. The greatest risk for flooding and erosion in the Kettle Creek watershed is in Port Stanley when weather systems bring sustained southwest winds. Typically, sustained wind speeds in the range of 50 km/h or higher are associated with an increased risk of flooding, shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. As well, higher water levels in Lake Erie can decrease the outflow of Kettle Creek, reducing the available capacity to handle rainfall events.
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.
Residents are advised to keep their eyes on their local conditions and take appropriate action when necessary. KCCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and provide updates as warranted. This watch will remain in effect until November 29, 2019 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.
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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.