St. Thomas – As a result of significant rainfall forecast due to a cold front moving into the area today, KCCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook
Rainfall between 30 – 50 mm is forecast today before tapering off late Monday morning. Locally higher amounts of up to 100mm are possible in areas that receive heavy downpours during embedded thunderstorms. Elevated runoff from forecasted rainfall can be expected, increasing flows in the drainage and creek network across the watershed. Local watercourses may be overwhelmed leading to localized nuisance flooding or ponding in low lying and flood prone areas.
Parents and caregivers are urged to keep children away from all water bodies. “Flows over the next couple of days may be higher than normal,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “The banks could be slippery and unstable, and the water could be fast flowing,” warns Dow. Heavy downpours may cause ponding of water on poorly drained sections of the watershed. Fortunately, water levels throughout the watershed are currently lower than normal which allows for added capacity to absorb the rainfall.
At this time, conditions are not conducive for shoreline flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, however, a close watch on local conditions is recommended should conditions change.
Updates will be made available if conditions warrant. This watershed conditions statement—flood outlook will remain in effect until Tuesday, July 4, 2023. 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 Resources Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228