News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Environment Canada is monitoring the widespread rainfall event due to a cold front and a moisture laden low pressure system that has pushed into the province from the American mid-west and is stalled over southwestern Ontario. Rainfall intensity will increase over Wednesday before the system moves out of the area early Thursday morning. Cumulative rainfall amounts of 50 to 60mm are expected by early Thursday morning, with a few areas possibly reaching up to 75 mm due to possible embedded thunderstorm activity.
“Since yesterday evening, the watershed has received between 31.4 and 51.3mm of rain which has contributed to a spike in creek levels throughout the watershed,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor for the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “With the amount of rain forecast for today, 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.
Environment Canada’s Gale Warning for Western Lake Erie remains in effect, however the winds have shifted to coming from the north and are no longer conducive for storm surge.
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 river banks, flood plain areas and ponds. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all waterways.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until Friday, September 24 at 4:30 p.m. 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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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.