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News Release
For immediate release
Thomas – Recent warm temperatures combined with rainfall has caused an ice jam to form just north of Port Stanley prompting KCCA to upgrade to a Flood Warning for Port Stanley and flood prone areas in St. Thomas. Additional mixed precipitation forecast for the next 48 hours will contribute to higher water levels and nuisance flooding.
“The harbour in Port Stanley is still under extensive ice cover. However, residents should be aware that ice jams may cause rapid backwater effects and may quickly create flooding situations,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. “The timing and extent of flooding will depend on the amount of rain we receive over the next two days and how the ice breaks up in Port Stanley,” says Dow. “Residents are advised to monitor local conditions and take appropriate precautions.”
Nuisance flooding may be already occurring. Residents in flood prone, low-lying properties within St. Thomas and Port Stanley are most at risk and are encouraged to take the necessary precautions, including moving property out of flood-prone areas.
Residents are advised to stay away from all waterways. Banks are extremely slippery and unstable and when combined with cold moving water pose a serious hazard.
This advisory will remain in effect until February 8. Other updates will be provided if circumstance warrant.
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For more information contact:
Marianne Levogiannis
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:
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- 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.