News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Environment Canada is monitoring a low pressure system bringing significant rainfall and strong winds into the area Tuesday evening and into Wednesday morning.
“There is a risk of 15-40 mm of rain with greater than 50 mm in isolated areas due to thunderstorms Tuesday evening and overnight,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. In addition, Lake Erie is under a strong wind warning that forecasts 30 to 45 km/hour winds from the west/southwest with gusts up to 80 km/hr.” The winds are expected to be strongest early Wednesday morning between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m.
At this time, widespread flooding is not expected. “Currently, water levels are at summer low flow conditions,” says Dow. “However, based on current Lake Erie water levels, forecasted wind speeds may pose the potential for localized flooding in Port Stanley 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 cold.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook will remain in effect until Wednesday, September 8 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.