News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Environment Canada is monitoring an Alberta Clipper that will bring windy weather to the area over the next several days. Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie.
Areas along the lower Great Lakes will see strong, gusty winds from the south ranging from 45 to 55km/hr, with higher gusts Saturday evening just in time for Halloween trick-or-treating. Winds will continue to be gusty overnight and into the early morning hours of Sunday. “As the system continues its path through the province Sunday, winds will shift from the south to west/northwest, before diminishing Monday morning,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. “Port Stanley is especially vulnerable to winds over 50km/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. Based on current weather conditions KCCA does not anticipate significant flood uprush activity in Port Stanley, however residents are urged to 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 and very cold.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Lake Erie Shoreline Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until Monday, November 2nd at 4:30PM. 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.