News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – A Colorado low pressure system is forecast to move into southwestern Ontario Friday evening. The system is bringing with it heavy rains and gale force winds prompting the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority to issue a Flood Watch for the Lake Erie Shoreline. A Special Weather Statement is in effect from Environment Canada which advises about strong damaging winds and rainfall amounts of 25 to 45 mm.
Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Warning for all of Lake Erie. Areas along the Lake Erie shoreline will see strong, sustained 50 to 60km/hr winds from the southwest starting early Saturday morning that will persist all day with potential gusts of 70-90km/hr Saturday afternoon. Winds will diminish Saturday evening when they shift to the west.
“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,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Conservation Supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. There continues to be a heightened risk for storm surge, which can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. “Under the right conditions, storm surge can occur quickly with little warning. Based on the current forecast, there is the potential for flood uprush activity along the shoreline on Saturday,” cautions Dow.
In addition, the low pressure system and forecast record warm temperatures will bring heavy rains to the area. Wet conditions throughout the watershed will contribute to a runoff event. The Special Weather Statement indicates heavy rain from Friday evening through Saturday. Watershed areas that receive higher rainfall amounts have a heightened risk for flash and localized flooding. Heavy, intense rainfall has the potential to cause overland flow and scouring of fields, ponding in low-lying areas, roadways and agricultural fields, and minor flooding into natural floodplain areas and parks that traditionally flood in the spring.
Residents along Kettle Creek, are advised to carefully monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. 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. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing and very cold.
Residents are advised to check their properties for potential drainage issues and to clear catch basins and storm sewer inlets of leaves and other debris in order to help reduce localized flooding. “It is also a good time to check that your sump pump is in good working order,” advises Dow.
KCCA will closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates warranted. This Flood Watch for the Lake Erie Shoreline and KCCA watershed will remain in effect until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 12, 2021. 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 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.