News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas — The KCCA advises that a Flood Watch is in effect for all shoreline areas within the KCCA watershed. Areas of concern are the low lying beach communities and shoreline areas along Lake Erie, including the low lying areas along the downstream reaches of Kettle Creek within Port Stanley. This watch will remain in effect until April 14, 2019 at which time conditions will be reevaluated.
A Colorado low is tracking towards the Great Lakes region on Sunday into Monday bringing rain and widespread strong winds. Environment Canada marine forecast has issued a gale warning for the region. Lake Erie’s current static water level is 175.11m at Port Stanley. This level does not account for any increase in water levels due to storm surge or wind driven waves.
“With record high lake levels and windy conditions comes a heightened risk for flooding and erosion along the Lake Erie shoreline due to storm surge,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor. “The greatest risk for flooding and erosion in the Kettle Creek watershed is in Port Stanley when storms bring sustained winds from the southwest.” Typically, sustained wind speeds in the range of 50 km/hr or higher are associated with an increased risk of flooding, shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. As well, higher water levels in Lake Erie can decrease the outflow of Kettle Creek, reducing the available capacity to handle rainfall events.
Additionally, higher lake levels can cause the downstream reaches of Kettle Creek to remain elevated specifically in Port Stanley, and under conditions with lake-setup, this can result in nuisance flooding in low lying areas adjacent to the creek, and impacts to docks and marinas.
Residents should take extra caution to avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as creeks, streams and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. 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.
“There is some uncertainty associated with how this storm system will move through the area,” says Dow. “It is always advisable to keep your eye on your local conditions and take appropriate action when necessary.” KCCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and provide updates as warranted.
For further updates, log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Facebook and Twitter @KettleCreekCA.
-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.