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 significant rain moves into the area.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is monitoring the remnants of Hurricane Beryl that is expected to move into the region late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning bringing with it the potential for heavy downpours with rainfall rates of 20 to 40mm per hour at times. Widespread precipitation amounts of 30-50mm are expected and areas that receive heavy downpours during embedded thunderstorm activity could see total accumulations in excess of 50+mm before the system moves out of the area Thursday. 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.
Watershed areas that receive more than 50mm of rain have a heightened risk for flash and localized flooding. In addition, intense rainfall has the potential to cause overland flow and scouring of fields, ponding in low-lying areas, roadways and agricultural fields, and minor flooding into natural floodplain areas and parks that traditionally flood in the spring. “Residents can prepare for this rain event by making sure their storm drains are clear of leaves and debris, and by paying attention to their local conditions,” cautions Dow.
Residents along Kettle Creek are advised to carefully monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. Parents and caregivers are urged to keep children and pets away from creeks and riverbanks, flood plain areas and ponds. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing. Standing water can also present unseen hazards.
“Flows over the next couple of days may be higher than normal,” warns Dow. Water levels and flows 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.
At this time, forecasted wind speeds and direction, and current Lake Erie water levels are not conducive to storm surge in Port Stanley. 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 12:00 PM on Friday, July 12, 2024. 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.