News release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) is issuing a watershed conditions statement—water safety for residents of the Kettle Creek Watershed.
As a Colorado low pressure system moves into much of the province today, snowfall from this morning will switch to rain in the afternoon. Temperatures will remain slightly above freezing overnight before cooling off again Wednesday and into Thursday. Kettle Creek watershed is forecast to receive 20-30mm of precipitation.
“Snow data collected today indicate approximately 25-30 mm of water equivalent in the snowpack,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. “While the snow does have some capacity to absorb water, runoff may occur should the watershed receive the maximum forecasted rain. This would result in higher stream flows in area streams and rivers resulting in flooding in localized areas.”
Residents along Kettle Creek, are advised to carefully monitor their local conditions. KCCA is urging all parents and caregivers to ensure that children do not play along local waterways. Ice conditions on frozen water bodies are unsafe. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable.
Updates will be made available if conditions warrant. 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: 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.