St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for residents of the Kettle Creek watershed. The main concerns at this time are rising creek levels and fast flowing water.
Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement and is forecasting a low pressure system across Southern Ontario starting Saturday. The rain will start Saturday morning with heavier rainfall in the early evening and into Sunday morning. Total rainfall amounts are forecasted to be 30-60mm throughout the Kettle Creek watershed. There is also a risk of isolated thunderstorms Saturday evening and into Sunday morning that may bring higher rainfall amounts in a short period of time in localized areas.
“We are asking the public to keep an eye on their local conditions. Currently, water levels are normal in Kettle Creek and local streams. However, conditions can change quickly if we receive the forecasted rain,” says Jennifer Dow water conservation supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority.
The public is encouraged to exercise caution near ditches, streams, creeks and reservoirs as the combination of slippery banks and fast flowing water is very dangerous. Parents in particular are urged to keep their children away from waterways and flood prone areas during times of high flow.
KCCA staff will be monitoring local conditions into the weekend and will provide any updates warranted.
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For more information:
Luiza Moczarski
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 ext 224
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.