News Release
For immediate release

St. Thomas – Effective immediately Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is upgrading to a Flood Warning for the Lake Erie Shoreline within its jurisdiction.

Environment Canada has issued a Wind Warning advising of strong southwesterly winds with gusts of 80 to 95 km/h beginning this afternoon. Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Warning for all of Lake Erie.

Flooding in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline is expected this afternoon and evening. The main concern is Port Stanley. Wave uprush flood activity could impact low lying areas and beaches in Port Stanley, and we can also expect nuisance flooding in low lying areas adjacent to Kettle Creek at the harbour.

Residents are asked to stay away from the shoreline especially the beaches in Port Stanley and abide by barriers and signage in place by the municipality.

“While there is some uncertainty in the height of the surge, peak winds are expected around 4 p.m. this afternoon and will continue until midnight before diminishing overnight,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. Residents with docks and boats in Port Stanley should keep an eye on their local conditions and ensure that their vessels are properly moored.

“As the system continues its path through the province Sunday, winds will shift from the south/southwest to west, before diminishing late Monday morning,” says Dow.

Storm surge can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. Residents are urged to say away from the shoreline, monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. Parents are reminded to keep pets and children away from these areas.

KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Lake Erie Shoreline—Flood Warning will remain in effect until Monday, November 16 at 12:00 p.m. when it will revert back to the existing standing watershed condition statement. 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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Marianne Levogiannis
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 x224

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.