News Release
For immediate release
This notice is intended to update the public and local municipalities on the high water levels in Lake Erie and the effects on the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) watershed.
Lake Erie water levels have been rising following heavy precipitation over the last several weeks, and have since stabilized above record breaking levels set in January 1987. Data collected in Port Stanley at the end of January indicates that the average water level, has increased to 174.86m which is 6cm higher than the record high. This water level does not account for any increase in water level due to storm surge or wind driven waves.
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. Under the right conditions, storm surge can occur quickly with little warning. All shoreline residents should be aware that wind and wave action can cause shoreline erosion, damage to shoreline structures, and can cause localized flooding.
“Lake Erie is breaking records again, and water levels will remain higher than normal as the lake continues its seasonal rise through the remainder of winter and into spring,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor at Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “In addition, Lake Erie is almost completely ice free (compared to 82.4% ice cover at this time last year). Open water in Lake Erie means that there is an increased risk of storm surge,” says Dow.
Residents are reminded to continue to be aware of their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. KCCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Lake Erie shoreline Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until February 29, 2020 at which time conditions will be reevaluated.
More information
More information on the flood warning system is available on KCCA’s web site www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca
Follow KCCA flood messages on Twitter and Facebook @KettleCreekCA
Contact Jennifer Dow, KCCA Water Conservation Supervisor at 519-631-1270 ext. 228
-30-
Marianne Levogiannis
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.