News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Environment Canada is monitoring a low pressure system that could bring significant rain to the area beginning today and ending Friday morning. “Precipitation will be light this morning, with the heaviest rain occurring Thursday afternoon” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “Some areas may see total rainfall amounts of 30-50 mm by Friday.”
At this time, widespread flooding is not expected. “Currently, water levels are slightly higher than normal due to the 26 mm of rain we received on the weekend,” says Dow. Additional rainfall from embedded thunderstorm activity could result in minor flooding in low lying areas and ponding in agricultural fields.
In addition to the forecasted rain, strong westerly winds are possible Thursday night into Friday morning. Sustained wind speeds may reach up to 45-65 km/hr with gusts up to 90 km/hr. Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Wind Warning for Western Lake Erie. Residents are reminded of KCCA’s Lake Erie Shoreline Flood Outlook originally posted on October 1, 2019 that remains in effect until October 31, 2019.
“Southwest winds along the shoreline may exceed 50km/hr beginning Thursday afternoon and will change to a west direction on Thursday afternoon into Friday,” says Dow. “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. 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 and very cold.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until Friday, November 1st 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.
-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.