News release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – As an update to the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety released yesterday, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is upgrading to a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook.
“Due to the increased rainfall this afternoon and warmer temperatures, the existing snow pack has melted faster than expected contributing to increased run-off into local creeks and streams,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “Residents in low lying areas are advised to watch local conditions for nuisance flooding.”
Extensive flooding is not anticipated as a temperatures are expected to drop dramatically late Friday. However, banks adjacent to the creek and water bodies are very slippery and when combined with cold moving water poses a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses at this time.
KCCA will continue to monitor the situation and update if necessary.
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For more information contact:
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.