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 are continuing their seasonal decline and as of September 30 are just 2cm higher than last year’s weekly mean. Data collected in Port Stanley indicate that the average water level, while still at a record high, has dropped to 174.81m. 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. Even though water levels in Lake Erie are dropping, they still remain at record highs. There continues to be a heightened risk for storm surge, which can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. Under the right conditions, storm surge can occur quickly with little warning.
Residents are reminded to continue to be aware of their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change. Under high water and flooding conditions, the combination of slippery banks, waves, waves overtopping shoreline structures, and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from flowing or standing water as well as shoreline areas.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until October 31, 2019 at which time conditions will be reevaluated. For further updates, log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Facebook and Twitter @KettleCreekCA.
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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.