NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – flood outlook for residents of the Kettle Creek Watershed.

Environment Canada predicts several rainy days ahead. Total forecast precipitation for Wednesday and Thursday range from 10-25mm as a fast moving Alberta Clipper moves through the area. A slow-moving Colorado Low is forecast for the weekend bringing additional accumulated precipitation of 50-85mm. Rainfall intensity will vary with potential thunderstorm activity.

“While water levels are not anticipated to be as high as the recent flooding in February, there is a potential for flooding in low-lying areas” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. Watershed ground conditions remain saturated and substantial runoff can be expected from any rainfall received.

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. For further updates log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with KCCA on Twitter and Facebook @KettleCreekCA.

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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:
  • 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.