News Release
For Immediate Release
St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a watershed conditions statement—water safety for residents of the Kettle Creek Watershed.
Environment Canada is tracking the remnants of tropical depression Gordon which is expected to affect Southern Ontario Sunday through Monday night before heading eastward. Rain is forecast to begin over Southwestern Ontario Sunday morning which could be heavy at times with total rainfall amounts in the 30 to 60 mm range possible by Tuesday morning. Sunday evening and overnight into Monday morning could see additional rainfall through thunderstorm activity.
“Water levels throughout the watershed are low at this time, so there is plenty of capacity to contain the extra flow,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. “The main concern at this time will be the surface water runoff into our local creeks and waterways which will cause unpredictable changes in water levels during the forecast rain events, combined with potential, localized thunderstorm activity”.
There is still considerable uncertainty in the timing and track of this weather system. Forecast wind speeds and direction at this time are not conducive for storm surge in Port Stanley. However, elevated rainfall from thunderstorm activity could result in minor flooding in low lying areas and ponding in agricultural fields.
Residents along Kettle Creek, are advised to carefully monitor their local conditions. Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is reminding parents to use extreme care around all watercourses, flood plain areas and ponds. Banks can be very slippery and unstable.
Updates will be made available if conditions warrant. This water conditions statement – water safety will remain in effect until Monday, September 10, 2018. 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.
-30-
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:
- 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.