News release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a watershed conditions statement—flood outlook for residents of the Kettle Creek Watershed. The recent snowmelt, combined with this past weekend’s rainfall, has caused water levels to increase throughout the watershed. Although no flooding occurred, a developing storm from the United States could bring 30mm of rainfall overnight to the local area with an additional 10-15mm of mixed precipitation over the next few days. This mid-winter storm may cause minor flooding in low lying areas.
“Last year at this time, ice jamming in Port Stanley was a real possibility,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “This year, with above seasonal temperatures there is hardly any ice in the entire Kettle Creek system, but the water is still high and stream banks are slippery.”
Environment Canada is forecasting a mix of rain, freezing rain and flurries over the next couple of days and has issued a rainfall warming for Tuesday night. “If we get the forecasted rain, water levels in the creek will rise, “says Dow. “Fortunately, a lot of the snow pack has already melted away which will greatly reduce the risk of flooding.”
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.
“The ice cover is unstable, banks can be very slippery and the water is fast flowing and very cold,” warns Dow. “Parents need to remind their children that waterways and riverbanks aren’t playgrounds,” says Dow.
Updates will be made available if conditions warrant. This flood outlook will remain in effect until Thursday, February 4th. 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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Luiza Moczarski
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 x224
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.