St. Thomas – Environment Canada is monitoring the widespread rainfall and mixed precipitation event due to a moisture laden Colorado low pressure system that is slowly making its way across the province. Rainfall intensity will increase overnight Wednesday before the system moves out of the area early Thursday morning. Cumulative rainfall amounts of 50 to 60mm are expected with potentially higher amounts due to possible embedded thunderstorm activity.
“Since early this morning, the watershed has received between 10-15mm of rain, ice pellets and freezing rain which has contributed to a minor spike in creek levels throughout the watershed,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “With the amount of rain forecast for this evening and overnight, there is the potential that we will experience nuisance flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to local waterways. Watershed residents should be prepared and pay attention to local conditions,” cautions Dow.
Intense rainfall may also lead to overland flow and scouring of fields, ponding in low-lying areas and agricultural fields, flooded roadways, and minor flooding into natural floodplain areas and parks that traditionally flood in the spring.
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 riverbanks, floodplain areas and ponds. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing. Standing water can also present unseen hazards.
At this time, forecasted wind speeds and direction, and current Lake Erie water levels are not conducive to storm surge in Port Stanley. A close watch on local conditions is recommended should conditions change.
KCCA will continue to closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates if conditions warrant. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until 8:30 AM on Friday, April 4, 2025. For further updates visit www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with KCCA socially on X @KettleCreekCA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KettleCreekCa .
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Jennifer Dow
Water Resources Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228
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.
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