St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook, reminding residents to take extra caution near creeks and streams as significant rain moves through the area.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is monitoring a slow-moving low-pressure system that is moving through the region Sunday into Monday. Over the last 12 hours, the watershed has received between 20-40 mm with the potential for additional rain in the form of heavy downpours into the evening hours. Areas that see persistent thunderstorm activity could see total accumulations in excess of 50+ mm before the system moves out of the area Monday.
“Local creeks and streams are responding to the rain with elevated water levels and flows across the watershed,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority.
Watershed areas that receive more than 50 mm 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. “Flows over the next couple of days will be higher than normal,” warns Dow.
Residents 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.
Updates will be made available if conditions warrant. This Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 8:30 AM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. For further updates visit www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with KCCA socially 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.
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