News release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for residents of the Kettle Creek watershed.
A low pressure area over Louisiana containing moisture from the remnants of hurricane Patricia is starting to move northward towards the Great Lakes. This low is expected to intensify into a fairly strong fall storm as it reaches the Great Lakes, bringing a significant rainfall along with strong and gusty winds over the next couple of days. A large shield of rain associated with this storm is forecast to spread into Southwestern Ontario tonight. The rain will likely become heavy at times as the low pressure area deepens.
“Although water levels throughout the watershed are currently low, if we were to receive the amount of rain forecasted over a short period of time, there is a good chance that we could see some flooding in low lying areas” says Jennifer Dow water conservation supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. Environment Canada has forecasted rain and thunderstorms for this evening and overnight with amounts of 40-50 mm of rain.
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 will closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates warranted. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect for the next 24 hours.
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Luiza Moczarski
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 ext 224
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