News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – A low pressure system is forecast to move into southwestern Ontario late Sunday evening. The system is bringing with it mixed precipitation prompting the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority to issue a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety. The forecast calls for 15-25 mm of rain across southern Ontario and the north shore of Lake Erie.
“Currently, water levels throughout the watershed are higher than normal due to the influx of snowmelt from higher than normal temperatures experienced this week,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Conservation Supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. This combination of rain and snow melt could cause flows in local creeks and streams to change rapidly and may create a higher than normal runoff event where we could experience some nuisance flooding.”
“This is a good time to remind residents to prepare for the flood season by removing property from low-lying areas,” says Dow. “This includes items like docks, boats, canoes, personal watercraft, trailers, vehicles, sheds, picnic tables and outdoor furniture. Residents who still have watercraft docked in the harbour should check regularly that the moorings are secure.”
Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline and in particular the Village of Port Stanley are reminded to remain extra observant of sustained and gusty southwesterly winds at or above 50 km/hr. There continues to be a heightened risk for storm surge, which can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. Under the right conditions, storm surge can occur quickly with little warning. Based on current forecasts, the wind speed and direction is not conducive to storm surge. As a result, KCCA does not anticipate any significant flood uprush activity this weekend.
“Port Stanley appears to be better protected from the winds that funnel down Lake Erie causing trouble to the east and west,” says Dow. KCCA uses a variety of tools such as lake level recorders, marine forecasts and lakeshore flooding look-up tables based on wind speed, direction and wave modelling to determine storm surge potential. “Even though Lake Erie water levels continue to be higher than normal the methodology KCCA uses to collect data and calculate flood uprush potential is still reliable”.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution near ditches, streams, creeks and reservoirs. The combination of slippery banks and fast flowing water is very dangerous. Parents in particular are urged to keep their children away from waterways and flood prone areas during times of high flow. Residents are also encouraged to monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action.
“Flows at this time of year can be fast, strong and very cold and banks can be extremely slippery. Falling into fast flowing water at this time of year can cause you to lose dexterity in three minutes of exposure, and unconsciousness in less than 30 minutes as you succumb to hypothermia.”
KCCA will closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates warranted. This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021. 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 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.