News Release
For Immediate Release
St. Thomas – As a result of significant rainfall forecast due to a cold front moving into the area this afternoon and early evening, KCCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook
Rainfall between 25 – 50 mm is forecast starting Monday afternoon before tapering off late Tuesday morning. Locally higher amounts of up to 50mm are possible in areas that receive heavy downpours during embedded thunderstorms. Elevated runoff from forecasted rainfall can be expected, increasing flows in the drainage and creek network across the watershed. Local watercourses may be overwhelmed leading to localized nuisance flooding or ponding in low lying and flood prone areas.
Parents and caregivers are urged to keep children away from all water bodies. “Flows over the next couple of days may be higher than normal,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Conservation Supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “The banks could be slippery and unstable, and the water could be fast flowing,” warns Dow. Heavy downpours may cause ponding of water on poorly drained sections of the watershed. Fortunately, water levels throughout the watershed are currently lower than normal which allows for added capacity to absorb the rainfall.
At this time, conditions are not conducive for shoreline flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline, however, a close watch on local conditions is recommended should conditions change.
Updates will be made available if conditions warrant. This watershed conditions statement—flood outlook will remain in effect until Wednesday, June 8, 2022. 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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Jennifer Dow
Water Conservation Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228
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