St. Thomas –Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook, reminding residents to take extra caution near creeks and stream as rainy weather moves into the area.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is tracking a cold front that is expected to move into the area early Wednesday evening, bringing prolonged rain with total accumulations in the range of 30-50mm. Areas that receive heavy downpours during embedded thunderstorm activity could see isolated amounts of up to 100mm before the system moves out of the area Thursday morning. At this time the track of the weather system is uncertain, and as such precipitation timing and amounts may change.
“Elevated runoff from forecasted rainfall can be expected, increasing flows in the drainage and creek network across the watershed,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. Local watercourses may be overwhelmed leading to localized nuisance flooding or ponding in low lying, poorly drained and flood prone areas.
Parents and caregivers are urged to keep children and pets away from all water bodies. “Flows over the next couple of days may be higher than normal,” warns Dow. Fortunately, water levels throughout the watershed are currently lower than normal which allows for added capacity to absorb the rainfall. 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 4:30PM on Thursday July 13, 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
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:
- Watershed Conditions Statement: 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: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning: 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.