News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Environment Canada is calling for more light rain overnight Friday and Saturday of the Thanksgiving long weekend.
“Water levels throughout the watershed responded to an early morning weather system that brought 20-25 mm of rain to the area. Ground conditions were already soggy from multiple rain events over the last two weeks causing a minor runoff event,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor.
At this time, widespread flooding is not expected. “Currently, water levels have peaked in the upper part of the watershed and have already started to decline,” says Dow. Water levels downstream of St. Thomas will continue to slowly rise this afternoon before peaking this evening.
Light rain is expected over the next 24 hours which may extend the time water levels throughout the watershed remain elevated. There is also the risk of thunderstorms Friday evening, which could contribute additional rain to isolated areas.
Residents along Kettle Creek are advised to carefully monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. KCCA is reminding parents to keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks, flood plain areas and ponds. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Watershed Conditions Statement—Water Safety will remain in effect until Sunday, October 10 at 4:30 PM. For further updates, log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Facebook and Twitter @KettleCreekCA.
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Jennifer Dow
Water Conservation Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:
- Watershed Conditions Statement (Previously High Water Safety Bulletin): 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 (Previously Flood Advisory): Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning (No change): 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.