News release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – The Kettle Creek watershed area has received between 20 and 50 mm of rain over the past 48 hours. An additional 5 to 10 mm of rain is possible later today. Most of the snowpack has melted; therefore, any additional rain can be expected to run off directly into the creek resulting in higher water levels.
“Currently the creek is flowing higher than normal,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, “With additional rain in the forecast, the creek’s water levels will continue to increase however serious flooding is not expected.”
Residents are advised to exercise caution near open bodies of water. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and when combined with cold, fast-flowing water pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses at this time.
For further updates visit 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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Luiza Moczarski
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 x224
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.