News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – A Montana Low pressure system is forecast to move into southwestern Ontario late Sunday evening. The system is bringing with it heavy rains and gale force winds prompting the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority to upgrade their current messaging to a Flood Watch. A Special Weather Statement is in effect from Environment Canada, which is calling for heavy rains with local rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm. The Special Weather Statement also advises about strong damaging winds.
Watershed areas that receive higher rainfall amounts have a heightened risk for flash and localized flooding. In addition, heavy rainfall has the potential to cause overland flow and scouring of fields, ponding in low-lying areas, roadways and agricultural fields, and minor flooding into natural floodplain areas and parks that traditionally flood in the spring. “Residents can prepare for this rain event by making sure their storm drains are clear of leaves and debris, and by paying attention to their local conditions,” cautions Jennifer Dow, Water Conservation Supervisor at Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “It is also a good reminder to move valuables out of the flood plain and make sure boats are properly secured in advance of the forecast.”
Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Warning for all of Lake Erie. Areas along the Lake Erie shoreline will see strong, gusty winds from the southwest/west ranging from 25-50km/hr Sunday evening. The gusty winds will increase overnight ranging from 65-80km/hr into the early morning hours of Monday before shifting to the northwest late Monday afternoon.
Residents along the Lake Erie Shoreline and in particular the Village of Port Stanley are reminded to remain extra observant of sustained and gusty southwesterly winds at or above 50 km/hr. There continues to be a heightened risk for storm surge, which can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. Under the right conditions, storm surge can occur quickly with little warning. Based on the updated forecast, there is the potential for flood uprush activity along the shoreline in the early morning hours of Monday.
Residents along Kettle Creek, are advised to carefully monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. Residents should take extra caution to avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as creeks, streams and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. The combination of slippery banks, waves, waves overtopping shoreline structures, and fast moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from flowing or standing water as well as shoreline areas. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing and very cold.
KCCA will closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates warranted. This Flood Watch for the Lake Erie Shoreline and KCCA watershed will remain in effect until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. For further updates log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Twitter @KettleCreekCA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/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 c