News Release
For Immediate Release August 24, 2023
Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook
St. Thomas –Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook, reminding residents to take extra caution near creeks as forecast rain and isolated thunderstorms could lead to high water levels and overland flow.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is tracking a low-pressure system that has the potential for the development of thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain. Forecasts for the watershed are calling for 15-25mm of rain overnight Thursday into early Friday morning. However, embedded thunderstorms could increase localized rain amounts to 50-75 mm. At this time the track of the weather system is uncertain, and as such precipitation timing and amounts may change.
“Local creeks are running slightly higher than normal after receiving 15-20mm of rain Wednesday,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. 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,” says Dow.
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. 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 Friday August 25, 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.